Assistant Principal / Designated Safeguarding Lead – Croydon

We are looking for an Assistant Principal to assist the Executive Principal and the Principal in the strategic and operational management, development and leadership of Harris Invictus Academy Croydon, and ensure the achievement of our ethos, aims and objectives within the context of the Academy’s strategic and development plans.

Harris Invictus Academy is a vibrant, happy and successful school at the heart of the community. We know that our young people have incredible strengths and talents which we nurture. We encourage them to flourish and grow into excellent ambassadors for the Academy and for our community. The Academy has a roll of 1,000 students, including a thriving Sixth Form, and whilst we were only founded in 2014 we are rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted [and oversubscribed by parents].

We are part of the Harris Federation which is one of the highest performing Trusts in the country.

We celebrate our differences, enjoying the benefits of having a truly diverse cohort. We support the wellbeing of our students by developing their empathy, generosity and respect for others in the community. We take pride in our principles of equality and respect for alternative views, cultures, religions and all people regardless of their gender, disability, race, or sexual orientation.

Our students enjoy being at the Academy and choose to stay with us for their sixth form education.

Your responsibilities will include:

• To create a true learning institution in the academy at all levels
• To play a major role in formulating the aims and objectives of the academy; in establishing the policies through which they will be achieved and in monitoring progress towards their achievement
• Lead on and develop the shared vision for the academy
• Leading the development and maintenance of a high quality positive learning environment to raise standards;
• To take full responsibility for all aspects of teaching and learning in your key area of responsibility
• To ensure high quality teaching across the academy and particularly in your key areas by monitoring students’ work and teachers’ planning
• To work with colleagues to ensure data is used effectively and consistently across the academy
• To work with the SLT to lead the academy’s assessment and reporting programme
• To support staff in making sure high quality intervention programmes are in place when underachievement is identified
• To support colleagues and subject leaders in developing schemes of learning, short and medium term planning.
• With the SLT, to develop strategies to enhance teachers’ ability to learn and to develop advanced teaching skills in the academy workforce
• Raise students’ aspirations and achievement through personalising learning
• To ensure the highest standards of achievement for all students, through high expectations and well balanced curriculum
• Ensure the entitlement of all students to have equal access to and participation in all aspects of the curriculum.
• Ensuring the efficient and effective provision of cross curricular skills, knowledge and understanding by engaging staff in all areas of learning
• Identifying what are successful learning outcomes and then monitoring students’ progress, continuity and progression
• Monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice and promote improvement strategies
• Monitoring, reviewing and evaluating teaching and learning through regular classroom observation
• To maintain an informed view of standards and of the quality of teaching across the academy by monitoring student’s learning and teacher’s planning and delivery
• Challenge under-performance at all levels and throughout all departments ensuring effective corrective action and follow-up
• To establish, and maintain, the highest possible standards of behaviour, learning and attainment
• Demonstrate and articulate high expectations and set aspirational targets for the whole Academy community
• Acting as a role model in the provision of high quality learning, teaching and assessment
• Coordinating the activities of staff including teaching and learning strategies, curriculum development and effective use of resources
• To lead and manage staff in an appropriate manner, offering support, encouragement, guidance and advice to ensure effective policy in practice
• To assist in the implementation of effective procedures to support teachers who are underperforming, responding to the outcomes of this support as appropriate
• To maintain high morale amongst staff and set an example of professional standards and leadership
• To contribute to the recruitment, training, deployment and professional development of staff as appropriate
• To promote and sustain effective management of the Academy environment, its site and buildings
• To provide information about the work and performance of staff, where this is relevant to their future employment at the academy or elsewhere
• To chair meetings, as appropriate to specific roles, ensuring effective consultation, delegation of responsibility and successful implementation of outcomes

Qualifications

• QTS (or equivalent)
• Degree or equivalent

Experience

• Extensive teaching experience
• Outstanding teaching practice
• Successful management experience as Head of Department or member of the SLT
• Experience of writing department SEF
• Experience of lesson observations and giving feedback
• Experience of improvement planning
• Experience of implementing a range of strategies to raise student achievement, with evidence of success
• Contribution to impact on the quality of learning and teaching and curriculum
• Experience of developing and sustaining positive relationships with students, parents, staff and the Governing Body to build consensus support and capacity
• Proven track record of managing and implementing change in relation to teaching practices and standards
• A track record of success in leadership and management

Knowledge & Understanding

• Ability to use data to analyse performance and manage interventions
• Understands current position with the 14-19 curriculum.
• Understands how to plan lessons with challenging learning objectives and outcomes
• Understanding of Assessment for Learning
• Effective use of ICT to promote learning
• Understands the factors effecting learning
• Understanding of e-learning
• Strategies to maintain good behaviour and pace
• Strategies for monitoring and evaluation of standards of attainment
• Effective development of staff and resources

Skills and Disposition

• Personal organisation and time management skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret data effectively and act upon the information
• Ability to think strategically
• Ability to work within a team and manage a team
• Ability to motivate and lead students and staff
• Ability to analyse issues and identify solutions
• Vision and ability to manage change successfull

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

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.

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

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.

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.