Assistant Principal – Strategic Senior Leadership

Leadership Scale L14–L20 (£75,433 - £86,764) September 2026 (or earlier by agreement)

VNA Education is partnering with a high-performing, large secondary school to appoint an exceptional Assistant Principal to join a highly experienced Senior Leadership Team.

This is a significant strategic leadership appointment for a proven senior or senior-middle leader ready to work at scale, drive whole-school improvement and secure exceptional outcomes for all students. The precise portfolio will be agreed with the successful candidate, allowing strengths and expertise to shape impact

The Role

As Assistant Principal, you will:

* Play a decisive role in whole-school leadership, supporting the Principalship in delivering sustained excellence

* Take strategic ownership of key priorities within the School Improvement Plan

* Drive consistently high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across all classrooms

* Lead and develop staff through coaching, accountability and talent identification

* Embed systems and processes that are robust, transparent and impact-driven

* Champion curriculum excellence, inclusion and equal entitlement for all learners

* Contribute to trust-wide collaboration, sharing and shaping best practice beyond the school

Leadership & Culture

* Articulate and model a clear moral purpose and compelling vision

* Set and sustain ambitious expectations, particularly for disadvantaged students

* Promote an open, research-informed culture focused on continuous improvement

* Lead with integrity, resilience and clarity, modelling the highest professional standards

* Support succession planning by developing current and aspiring leaders

Systems, Standards & Accountability

* Establish and sustain high-quality performance management and quality assurance

* Use data, research and evaluation to drive improvement at scale

* Hold individuals and teams to account for outcomes, conduct and professional practice

* Contribute to strategic, curriculum-led resource and financial planning

* Ensure safeguarding, behaviour and student wellbeing remain non-negotiable priorities

The ideal candidate

* Holds QTS and a strong academic background

* Has successful experience at senior or senior-middle leadership level

* Demonstrates a proven record of leading change with measurable impact

* Has deep understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and school improvement systems

* Is highly credible, reflective and able to inspire, challenge and influence at all levels

* Is committed to inclusive practice, safeguarding and educational excellence

VNA Education Recruitment Ltd is a specialised consultancy dedicated to connecting teachers and support staff with both short-term and long-term opportunities in primary, secondary, and special education schools across London and the Home Counties. We prioritise safer recruitment practices and conduct thorough checks on all candidates we represent