The role
In 2004, Ark set out to create a network of high achieving, non-selective, inner city schools. Every Ark school reflects its local community and has its own distinctive character, uniform and ethos where everyone shares the same mission. Our aim is to make sure every child, regardless of their background or prior attainment, achieves highly enough by age 18 to have access to real choices in life: whether that means going to university or into a career of their choice.
Ark Acton Academy joined the network on 1st September 2018 under the leadership of the acting Principal. We are now looking to appoint a permanent Principal to lead the school in the full implementation of Ark’s six pillars. We are committed to delivering the highest quality education that enables every child to achieve the best possible academic outcomes and to develop strong self-discipline and good character.
This is a great opportunity to work within the Ark network and rapidly transform our newest academy.
The ideal candidate will:
· Be fully aligned with Ark’s values and six pillars
· Have a clear understanding of what makes an exceptional school and the skills and character required to do this
· Have strong leadership skills, high expectations and be a rigorous planner
· Be honest, kind, passionate, committed and resilient
· Have the ability to create a body of aligned and highly motivated professionals who are united in their determination to secure outstanding outcomes for Acton pupils
· Have high levels of determination and the conviction to address the immediate challenges of a transition school
· Be excited by the opportunity to work closely with an Executive Principal and Regional Director in creating the conditions for a rapid improvement in outcomes
· Be a great teacher. As a leader of teaching, we are looking for someone who really knows what great learning looks like in the classroom and how to achieve it
The successful candidate will work with an experienced Executive Principal and the Regional Director and will receive the highest quality support and development from the regional and central teams. The successful candidate will also be part of the Ark North London Regional Principals’ Team, working with Principals from seven other schools in developing world class practices in all our schools. Three of our North London schools have outstanding status and our team will provide the new Principal with a wealth of resources and support.
In making an appointment we will be looking for someone who has the vision, character, drive and skills to transform Acton into one of the highest performing schools in London.
For further information or a confidential discussion please contact Jerry Collins, Regional Director, here. For any technical queries please contact our support desk here.
Reports to: Executive Principal, West London
Closing date: 8 Jan (10am)
Interviews: 17 Jan (first), 25 Jan (final)
Location: Acton, West London
Salary: Competitive
Ark values diversity and are committed to safeguarding and promoting child welfare. The successful candidate will be subject to DBS and any other relevant employment checks.
Reports to: Executive Principal, West London
Start date: September 2019
Location: West London
Salary: Highly competitive and negotiable depending on experience
The Principal is responsible for providing an outstanding education for all pupils at the academy. The Principal will work with the senior team to establish outstanding teaching and learning and an excellent school culture.
Key responsibilities
- Leadership of the academy and its staff in order to achieve extremely high standards of teaching and learning, behaviour and attainment
- Implementation and coordination of the vision, ethos and strategy for the academy
- Leadership of effective external relationships, including the local community and other stakeholders
- Contribution to the overall direction of the Ark network.
Outcomes and Activities
Personal leadership and coaching
- Recruit, train, motivate and mentor all staff
- Instill an ethos of high expectations for achievement and behaviour for all pupils
- Lead the development of the academy curriculum and culture
- Maintain strong working relationships with the community, agencies, and stakeholders, including parents and the Governing Body
- Develop partnerships with other local schools and the local authority to ensure that the vision for regeneration in the area is realised.
Coordination of the overall strategy
- Oversee staffing allocation, including support staff, across the academy
- Coordinate cross-academy responsibilities among the senior leaders and staff
- Ensure robust operational systems are in place that support the academy’s efficient functioning
- Working with the Finance and Resources function, oversee the academy finance, facilities, catering and resources across the school.
Development of the Ark network
- Share innovation and work with others in the network to develop good practice
- Help shape or lead education initiatives across the Ark network
- Undertake any other responsibilities as directed by the Director of Secondary and the Chair of the Governing Body.
Person Specification
Qualification Criteria
- Qualified to degree level and above
- Qualified to teach and work in the UK
Experience
- Experience of school leadership (at least at deputy head level or equivalent)
- Experience of having helped lead a school that provides an excellent education for its pupils (ideally in a challenging urban environment) and has an excellent standard of teaching and learning.
Behaviours
Leadership
- Effective management style that encourages participation, innovation and confidence
- Ability to lead, coach and motivate staff within a performance management framework, including professional development and effective management of underperformance
- Ability to develop the leadership skills of others
- Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
- Takes personal responsibility for their own actions
- Resilience and motivation to lead the academy through day-to-day challenges while maintaining a clear strategic vision and direction
- Genuine passion and a belief in the potential of every student
- Motivation to continually improve standards and achieve excellence
- Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils.
Vision and Strategy
- Vision aligned with Ark’s high aspirations and high expectations of self and others
- Clear vision and understanding of how to implement and sustain high quality education in an inner city school. This includes strategically leading all aspects of the academy, such as training, curriculum, learning, administration, finance and communication
- Clear vision and understanding of the strategies to establish consistently high standards of behaviour in an inner city school and commitment to relentlessly instilling these strategies
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to delegate
- Use of data to inform and diagnose weaknesses that need addressing
- Ability to work collaboratively with partner stakeholders, agencies and peers in the Ark network.