Principal

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal or Deputy Principal to join us.

Our current Principal is retiring at the end of the academic year and we are looking for an experienced Principal or Deputy Principal to strengthen and lead the committed team of staff at Purple Oaks Academy through the next phase of their journey, ensuring the delivery of an engaging, broad and balanced curriculum which continues to evolve to reflect the changing and complex needs of our students. The academy enjoys a positive relationship with parents and key stakeholders and so working effectively with the local community is essential.

You will have specific support from the GAT network of experts, working to a Special Academy Improvement, Support and Quality Assurance framework and will have access to a range of informal support and professional development.

To be successful, you will be a leader who:

• Has relevant and up-to-date knowledge of teaching and learning strategies for students with complex needs;
• Is excited about working with colleagues to refine an aspirational and broad curriculum;
• Leads staff effectively to deliver high-quality learning experiences for all students;
• Has strong organisational skills and is relentlessness in driving educational improvement and has high expectations for all students;
• Has significant experience of leading and developing others;
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Has previously led a team of people through change and improvement;
• Has the skill and ability to engage parents and the community in the life of the school.

We are hoping for a start date of April 2024, depending on the successful candidate’s current position, so that we can ensure a smooth transition from the current Principal.

Visits to the academy are encouraged and are available on Monday 20th or 27th November in the afternoon. If you would like further information, to arrange a visit, or an informal phone/Teams call, please contact the Education Director, Sarah Martin (sarah.martin@greenwoodacademies.org).

About us

Our purpose-built building opened in January 2018 and provides 100 places for students aged 3–18 with a diagnosis of autism and/or severe learning difficulties. The academy is very popular and currently has 107 students on roll from Reception to Year 11. Our students have a complex range of needs and cover a full breadth of academic ability. We teach our students in small classes of 8–10 students with high levels of adult support.

In return

Being part of the Greenwood Academies Trust (GAT), you can be assured that you will be joining a successful Multi-Academy Trust that has a great track record in helping children to succeed, no matter what their background. The Trust is dedicated to valuing and developing the workforce, whether that be through ensuring a fair workload or offering access to bespoke CPD from the Learning Alliance to enhance professional growth.

We believe in looking after the people who make a huge difference to our children, their families and the communities we serve. That’s why we give everyone who joins a Perkbox account – with 24/7 access to perks and discounts, plus curated wellbeing tools to look after your physical and mental health. It’s part of our commitment to look after you.

Here’s what you can look forward to: 

• Hundreds of global and local perks, available online 24/7
• Shopping discounts from the biggest brands, all year round
• Saving money on everything from the supermarket shop to summer holidays
• A free Employee Assistance Programme from Health Assured

For further information, please click here.

Closing date: 4 December 2023

Successful shortlisted candidates will be informed by 6th December for interviews on the 11th/12th December.

If this post attracts sufficient interest before the closing date, we may decide to close this vacancy at an earlier date, so an early application is advised.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks; therefore, all posts within the Trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. It is an offence to apply for a role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

All adults employed by the Trust have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.