Principal

We have a rare opportunity for an ambitious and compassionate leader to join Sharnbrook Academy as Principal. As part of Meridian Trust, you will shape the next phase of the school’s development, driving excellence in an inclusive and thriving school community. If you share our values and vision and are excited to work for Meridian Trust in the service of the community of Sharnbrook Academy, we would welcome your application.

The Opportunity

• Establish effective curricular leadership, developing subject leaders with high levels of relevant expertise with access to professional networks and communities.
•  Promote positive and respectful relationships across the school community and a safe, orderly and inclusive environment.
•  Ensure teaching is underpinned by high levels of subject expertise and approaches which respect the distinct nature of subject disciplines or specialist domains.
• Ensure that adults within the school model and teach the behaviour of a good citizen.
• Commit their school to work successfully with other schools and organisations in a climate of mutual challenge and support.

The ideal candidate

• Evidence as an outstanding leader in a senior leadership role.
• Evidence of both curricular and pastoral responsibilities.
• Ability to foster and promote good relationships with all stakeholders.
• Think creatively and collegiately to solve problems and identify opportunities. 
• Commitment to continual improvement and challenging norms.  

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays        

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/.

Sharnbrook is an exceptional place to learn and work. We are an ambitious, forward thinking and fully inclusive community school, located in beautiful rural Bedfordshire. Our values guide our decision making, and central to all that we do is our mission is to ensure that all students achieve their academic and personal potential to reach destinations of purpose and choice. Our motto of ‘excellence, care and opportunity for all’ encapsulates our approach towards this aim.

Our students benefit from an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum taught in impressive, specialist facilities. Students are well taught by highly knowledgeable subject experts, and supported by expert support staff. ‘Team Sharnbrook’ work together, in partnership with families, to ensure that every young person is known, valued and supported to reach their full potential. We expect students to excel, and ensure that they feel safe and happy in school, so that this expectation is realised. We understand the value of students’ personal development, and enable this through access to an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities and a comprehensive personal development curriculum. We are proud of the education that we offer to our young people, and would be delighted to welcome you to the academy to learn more about us.

Meridian Trust is a successful multi-academy trust founded on its commitment to people and communities. 

Our proven approach over more than a decade has elevated us to a respected and admired academy trust, a national leader in education and a source of great pride to the communities we serve. The Trust currently operates 30 schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and has forged strong links within all these communities. We are committed to high quality professional development and career opportunities for all staff. To find out more about the Trust, please visit: www.meridiantrust.co.uk 

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below. To arrange a visit or enquire about further information, please contact Maddie Palmer, HR Officer, on mpalmer@sharnbrook.academy

Closing date for applications is: 26 February 2025

Interview to take place on: 06 & 07 March 2025

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. 

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.