Principal

We are looking for a new Principal to join us at Harris Academy Sutton, an Outstanding academy (February 2023), to start in September 2024 or January 2025.

Since our inception we have set new standards in terms of what comprehensive education can offer in borough of Sutton and are delighted by our first set of results. They are a testament to the values we hold close here at the academy: that a comprehensive education can provide excellence and opportunity for the young people of Sutton that can exceed that offered by more selective institutions.

We are proud to be a part of the Harris Federation, the leading multi-academy trust in the country, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside over 80 highly experienced school leaders, all of whom are committed to working together to transform lives across London and Essex. We have a reputation for investing in and developing successful senior leaders; our track record of performance demonstrates the impact our academy leaders have on delivering transformative change.

About Us

Harris Academy Sutton is an Outstanding academy, based in an award-winning building with excellent facilities. The academy offers a broad and diverse curriculum to a fully comprehensive intake of students. Its aim is to provide a fulfilling education to the children and young people of Sutton that endures long after the exam results have been published.

The academy works hard with the community it serves to ensure that all of its students:

• feel equally secure and valued
• access the challenges necessary to reach their full potential
• move out into the world with a wide range of interests to enrich their lives
• understand the roles that science and scientific thinking can play in human development
• develop the personal character traits that will see them succeed in whatever they seek to do in life
• leave our Academy ready to contribute something new to the world

The academy is located in Sutton, with good public transport and road links and safe and secure onsite parking with electric charging points. Central London (Clapham, Victoria) is 25 minutes away.

Main Areas of Responsibility

As Principal, you will need to provide the leadership and management necessary to secure high quality teaching and learning to raise standards of achievement.

The Principal's effective leadership will result in an academy where:

• There is a positive ethos that reflects the Academy's commitment to high achievement, effective teaching and learning, and good relationships
• Staff, governors and parents have confidence in the leadership and management of the Academy
• Staff and governors recognise their accountability for their tasks and contribute fully to the development and successful implementation of policies and practices
• The life of the Academy and the curriculum effectively promote students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare them for adult life
• Effectiveness is kept under rigorous review, and links with the wider community contribute to students' attainment and personal development
• Efficient and effective use is made of staff, accommodation and resources
• Delegated responsibilities to ensuring that finance and administration are effective, and the carefully costed development plan is focused on improving educational outcomes

Qualifications & Experience

The successful applicant must have a proven track record of school improvement, and have gained successful previous experience in leading, or as part of, an SLT to transform a school and raise outcomes. We are looking for a strong communicator who can demonstrate strengths in engaging with and inspiring not just staff, but also students and parents of the local community. You will provide the leadership and management necessary to secure high quality teaching and learning to further raise standards of achievement.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who ideally has:

• Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, Further relevant professional studies
• Relevant Further Degree or NPQH
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of current curriculum developments and how pupils learn
• Leadership in curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies
• Proven track record of raising attainment in an urban, multi-ethnic environment
• Track record of raising standards in English and Mathematics and good knowledge of raising standards in Literacy and Numeracy

Next Steps

We may start interviews early and close the vacancy if we receive enough applications, so please apply as soon as possible if interested.

To arrange a visit or a confidential discussion about this post with Rebecca Hickey, Secondary Education Director, or if you have any other questions about the post, please contact Kelly McQueeney, PA to Director of Secondary Education, via email: kelly.mcqueeney@harrisfederation.org.uk

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

Whether you are an experienced Principal or looking to progress to Principalship, this role could be for you. If this will be your first Principal role, we will give you all the support you need to succeed including individual mentoring from an established Executive Principal. For experienced school leaders, we can provide you with clear development pathways to Executive Principalship, including the opportunity to complete your NPQEL.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, electric car scheme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.