Principal

Are you an ambitious School Senior Leader who is ready to lead a school where excellence is the standard, community thrives, and every student's achievement is celebrated? We are seeking an inspirational Principal who embodies visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for education at our highly regarded Abbeyfield School, based in Northampton.

Job Title: Principal

Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire

Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience

Start Date: September 2025 (or earlier)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-Time

About Our School:

Located in Northampton, Abbeyfield School serves students aged 11-18 and has proudly maintained its "Good" OFSTED judgement as of September 2021. Our school offers a warm community where strong, professional relationships between adults and pupils are the norm. Our school is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive educational environment that fosters academic excellence and personal development. We emphasise high-quality teaching and learning, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a professional theatre, two dance studios, a sports centre, and more.

Our Mission:

Our primary mission at Abbeyfield School is to educate pupils, keep them safe, and promote their personal development. We encourage pupils to come to school every day, look smart, be ready to learn, and follow our routines, encapsulated by our motto: "Right Place – Right Time – All the Time."

Why Join Us?:

By joining Abbeyfield School, you will be able to make a profound impact on the lives of our students. You will be part of a network that is listened to, trusted, and empowered to drive positive change. Abbeyfield School is an exciting and supportive place to work. Teamwork is emphasized at all levels, and we collaborate to provide outstanding opportunities for our students and continuous improvement.

About You:

·      You will be an inspirational leader who has extensive experience in senior leadership roles within a school setting, with a strong history of developing community partnerships.

·      Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with an innovative approach to education, will be crucial in driving our school's success.

·      A commitment to inclusivity and the ability to foster a supportive and nurturing environment for all students are essential.

·      You will be adept at building and maintaining positive relationships with students, staff, and the wider community.

·      Your strategic vision and collaborative spirit will guide our team as we strive for continuous improvement and excellence in teaching and learning.

·      You are a dynamic individual who is ready to make a significant impact at Abbeyfield School, ensuring that every pupil has the support and opportunities to succeed.

About Creative Education Trust:

Creative Education Trust was established in 2010 to work in England’s post-industrial and coastal towns and cities. We are now a network of 17 schools educating 14,500 children and young people.

We have chosen to work with schools in challenging circumstances. We have successfully transformed schools previously deemed to be inadequate into good ones in order that all our students can have the best start in life. We are committed to providing educational opportunity for children of all abilities and to building cultural capital through a wide range of co-curricular activities. Curricular innovation through our Knowledge Connected programmes promotes creative, integrated and pro-active thinking so that our students are equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.

What We Offer:

In return for your dedication, we offer you the whole-hearted support of a very successful and growing multi-academy trust. You will also be rewarded with an attractive remuneration package, including well-being support, and the opportunity to work collaboratively with a group of highly talented Principals and Headteachers to drive the Trust’s future. We have a wide range of benefits that you are more than welcome to explore further in our Staff Benefits brochure attached.

Next Steps

To apply, please submit an application form via the Creative Education Trust website by 12.00pm Friday 10th January 2025. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our Head of Recruitment, Sarah Catchpole at sarah.catchpole@creativeeducationtrust.org.uk

Furthermore, we warmly welcome confidential conversations about the role, please contact Sarah to arrange a suitable time to speak to our Director of Education.  

Application Closing Date: Friday 10th January 2025

1st Round Interviews: Week commencing Monday 20th January 2025

2nd Round Interviews: Week Commencing Monday 27th January 2025 (at Head Office, London)

Essential Information:

Creative Education Trust (CET) is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people by keeping them safe, we expect all our colleagues to share in this responsibility.

All shortlisted candidates are subject to online checks prior to interview.

The CET Recruitment Policy follows the guidance set out by Keeping Children Safe in Education, where all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, References and where appropriate a Prohibition from teaching search.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

CET is committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting an inclusive culture and environment for the benefit of its employees and the communities it serves.