At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant secondary school, shaping culture and driving educational success.
- Company: Leeds East Academy, part of the supportive White Rose Academies Trust.
- Benefits: Collaborative network, high-quality professional development, and a values-driven environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to safeguarding and student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and promote social mobility.
- Qualifications: Experienced school leader with a strong moral purpose and proven track record.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 € per year.
Lead with purpose. Shape culture. Change lives. Leeds East Academy, part of the White Rose Academies Trust, is seeking an exceptional Principal to lead the academy at a pivotal moment in its journey. This is a compelling opportunity for a values-driven leader to build on recent progress and shape the future of a vibrant, diverse secondary school serving the East Leeds community.
Following a period of purposeful renewal, the academy now benefits from a calm, focused and aspirational culture underpinned by strong relationships, clear systems and high expectations. As Principal, you will provide inspiring strategic and operational leadership, with accountability for educational performance, pastoral outcomes and the day-to-day life of the academy.
Working closely with the CEO, Trust executive team and Local Accountability Board, you will:
- Lead a clear, inclusive vision that promotes social mobility and high aspiration
- Secure consistently strong teaching, learning and curriculum quality
- Champion inclusive practice, ensuring all pupils, particularly those with SEND or disadvantage, thrive
- Develop leadership capacity and foster a culture of professional learning and wellbeing
- Build strong partnerships with families, communities and external agencies
We are looking for an experienced and credible school leader with a strong moral purpose, a proven track record of improvement and the ability to inspire confidence across diverse stakeholders. This role will suit a serving Principal or an ambitious senior leader ready for headship within a supportive, values-led Trust.
As part of White Rose Academies Trust, you will join a collaborative network of leaders, benefit from high-quality professional development and be supported to lead with confidence and impact. White Rose Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Closing Date: Tuesday 9th June 2026, 9am
To apply, please visit Every Candidate Portal - View Job Details. Applications are welcome from all, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability. White Rose Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check. Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Principal employer: WHITE ROSE ACADEMIES TRUST
Leeds East Academy, part of the White Rose Academies Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises a values-driven culture and the professional growth of its staff. With a commitment to social mobility and high aspirations, the academy offers a supportive environment where leaders can thrive, backed by a collaborative network and high-quality professional development opportunities. Located in the vibrant community of East Leeds, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while fostering strong partnerships with families and local agencies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Leeds East Academy and ask about their experiences. This insider info can give you a leg up in understanding the culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the academy's recent achievements and challenges. Show us that you’re not just a leader, but someone who genuinely cares about shaping the future of the school.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your vision to life! Be ready to discuss how you would promote social mobility and high aspiration within the academy. We want to see your passion for inclusive education and how you plan to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our values-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how you connect with our values and how you envision shaping the future of Leeds East Academy.
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire. We love hearing about your successes and how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the unique culture and needs of Leeds East Academy. We’re looking for someone who understands our community and can champion inclusive practices for all students.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at White Rose Academies Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHITE ROSE ACADEMIES TRUST
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the academy. Be ready to articulate how you would lead with purpose and shape a culture that promotes social mobility and high aspiration. This will show your alignment with the academy's values and mission.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to improve educational performance and foster inclusive practices. Highlight instances where you've successfully led teams or initiatives that resulted in positive outcomes for students, especially those with SEND or disadvantages.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build strong partnerships with families, communities, and external agencies. During the interview, discuss your strategies for engaging diverse stakeholders and how you plan to involve them in the academy's journey. This will illustrate your collaborative approach.
✨Emphasise Professional Development
Be prepared to talk about how you would develop leadership capacity within the academy. Share your thoughts on fostering a culture of professional learning and wellbeing among staff. This shows that you value not just student outcomes but also the growth of your team.
