Vice Principal (VP)

We are looking for an outstanding leader with the energy and  passion for working in an inner city and genuinely comprehensive school. This role has come about due to the promotion of the VP (Quality of Education) to headship. Although the postholder led on all aspects of Quality of Education at the Academy, with the appointment of a new VP in the spring of 2024,  there is now a really exciting opportunity to review how the Leadership Team has traditionally worked. Therefore the final responsibilities for this role will be decided once the successful candidate has been appointed. It will definitely include significant curriculum and pastoral responsibility but we have made the decision to move away from the more traditional sole Pastoral/ Curriculum VP roles so as to ensure excellent professional development.  Ideally, you will already hold a similar role at a senior leadership level. You may well be looking to become a headteacher or principal  in the next 3 to 4 years.

Our students are truly wonderful. Staff are dynamic, friendly and incredibly committed and alongside my talented Leadership Team, want to ensure we remain one of the best schools in West London. Our award-winning Academy is a stunning purpose built school; a joy to work in and easily accessible from Imperial Wharf station (6 minutes walk) and only a 12 minute walk from Fulham Broadway Underground.

The application pack and letter will give you a flavour of the Academy and we welcome interested candidates to come and visit us. As a Church of England sponsored academy we welcome staff, students and parents from all faiths and backgrounds but expect all employees to have regard for our Christian values that are demonstrated through the taught and non-taught curriculum.

In particular, candidates should:

1. Have experience of working as a member of a secondary school Leadership Team as a deputy headteacher, assistant headteacher or equivalent.
2. Be an excellent teacher with the ability to inspire students in their learning and secure consistently impressive examination results.
3. Have a successful and varied track record of school leadership and experience of working in more than one institution.
4. Possess proven ability to lead school-wide initiatives that have a lasting impact
5. Show evidence of continued professional development, in particular with regard to school leadership.
6. Have relevant experience of working in comprehensive, urban and multicultural environments.
7. Demonstrate success in raising attainment and standards of teaching and learning.
8. Demonstrate skills in curriculum planning and leadership.
9. Possess strong leadership and management skills.
10. Have sound technical understanding of school leadership issues such as the Ofsted inspection framework, SIAMS,  and curriculum and assessment requirements.
11. Have the ability to forensically quality assure teaching and learning 
12. Have a thirst and passion for teaching and learning and related pedagogy.
13. Have experience of working in a school with a distinctive Christian ethos or the ability to articulate how such an ethos could be developed and the capacity to contribute to this.

How to apply

You need to write no more than two sides of A4 explaining why you are suited to the role and the impact that you have had in your current or previous roles. You will also need to complete an Academy application form (sorry but we do not accept CVs). We will use application letters to shortlist and unfortunately are unable to provide feedback on application forms.

If you have any further questions about this post, then please feel free to contact the EA to the Principal, Katie Courtley on katie.courtley@chelsea-academy.org or 0207 376 3019 ext 102.  If you would like to visit the Academy before making an application please contact Katie, to arrange a visit  - or if you would like to have an informal conversation about the role with the Principal.

Closing date: Monday  23rd September at 12pm

Proposed interview date: Thursday 26th September and either 30th September or 1st October 

Tour Days and times

Tuesday 10th September  2024 8.30- 10.45 am

Friday 13th September 2024 8.30 - 10.45 am and 1.45-3.20 pm

Friday 20th September 2024 1.45 -3.20 pm

Equal Opportunities and Safer Recruitment

Chelsea Academy is an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from suitable candidates no matter their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, however, we do expect all our staff to note and follow our Christian ethos which is outlined on our website. Please note that Chelsea Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be able to satisfy successful references, an enhanced police / Security Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and right to work in the UK  prior to starting employment with the Academy.

As part of our recruitment process we will also carry out an online search for information that is publicly available online. This will include social media accounts you may hold. This will only be carried out on shortlisted candidates and before the interview. This processing of data will be conducted under the legal basis of Article 6(e) public task in line with the guidance laid out in paragraph 221 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023. Any data collected during this search will be retained in line with our retention schedule which is available on request.

If you want to join this wonderful, flourishing academy with a strong Christian ethos and a commitment to helping every student prepare for life beyond formal education, then we would very much welcome your application.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Wishes,

Mariella Ardron

Principal