Ark Alexandra Academy
Executive Principal
Reports to: Regional Director
Start date: January 2024, or sooner if possible
Location: Hastings
Salary: Up to £140,000 starting salary, plus potential relocation package of up to £10,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time but will also consider 0.8 FTE with opportunities to contribute to strategic network priorities
Closing date: 9am, Monday 12th June 2023
Visits & interviews: To be arranged as and when suitable for the candidates.
Ark Alexandra Academy is an over-subscribed secondary school on a rapid improvement journey. As a large school based across a split site, with two Heads of School, we seek to appoint an exceptional Executive Principal to provide strategic oversight and leadership.
The opportunity:
We are confident and excited about the future of Ark Alexandra Academy and seek to appoint an Executive Principal to lead and embed this improving picture. This year we have strengthened the leadership team and have appointed two exceptional Heads of School who will support the Executive Principal in the day-to-day leadership of each campus. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across the two school sites by leading the newly appointed Heads of School and embedding a consistent culture of high expectations.
We are looking for a strong leader who will be committed to serving the community of Ark Alexandra and who believes that every child, irrespective of their background, should be afforded an excellent education to progress to a career of their choice. This role is ideal for an existing Executive Principal or Principal looking for their next opportunity to make real impact and progress in their career, or an experienced and proven Head of School who is seeking their first principalship. There is also the opportunity to work within and contribute to the wider Ark network for the right candidate.
Our school:
Ark Alexandra Academy is a popular and over-subscribed Church of England, secondary school with sixth form in Hastings, East Sussex. Our school has grown from 10 to 12 form entry over the last two years and operates across a split site; bringing with it unique opportunities for growth and development. At its most recent Ofsted inspection in September 2021, Leadership & Management, Behaviour & Attitudes, Personal Development and Sixth Form were all judged to be ‘Good’.
Through our Christian ethos of kindness and compassion, and by knowing every student, we will inspire every member of Ark Alexandra to have a positive impact on the community around them.
We are part of the Ark network and the new Executive Principal will work closely within this network as well as our Hastings feeder primary schools; Ark Blacklands Primary Academy, Ark Castledown Primary Academy and Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy. All three are highly successful schools where Leadership & Management has been judged to be outstanding and academic outcomes are impressive.
What we offer:
We are offering a significant and generous six figure salary as well as the chance for real career growth and the chance to work alongside some exceptional leaders who offer genuine support and capacity. In addition, at Ark you will have:
- Influence across network-wide issues through our principal meetings and regional collaboration
- Support from an experienced group of principals and Regional Director
- On-hand expertise from our dedicated network education and operations teams who are ready to support you and your school
- Excellent career development opportunities across both the region and wider Ark network
- Access to excellent senior leadership training
For an informal, confidential conversation feel free to reach out to our search agents Minerva at ark@minervasearch.com or to speak directly to Ark’s Regional Director and Director of Secondary, please contact alexia.dimarco@arkonline.org.
How to apply:
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to ark@minervasearch.com by Monday 12th June 2023 at 9am. If you have any questions, concerns or time constraints with applying please let us know.
For more information about the role, the school and Ark, click here to view the full job pack.
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.
Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Ark Schools are committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. To read more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion statement, please click this link.