Assistant Principal

​WORKING WITH USHarris Academy Wickford is on an exciting journey to help our fantastic young people harness their potential, achieve extraordinary results and change the world. The Academy joined the Harris Federation in September 2026. The Harris Federation is the most successful large multi-academy trust in the UK and the only large trust where disadvantaged students outperform non disadvantaged students nationally. We are a group of highly ambitious, committed staff who believe in the transformative power of education. Our collective vision is to help our scholars achieve their extraordinary and change the world. Our mission is to become the best school in Essex by 2030. Our values of Hard Work, Ambition, Wisdom and Kindness underpin everything we do.

To learn more about the culture and ethos of our academy, our impact within the community and what we can offer you, view our academy page via the “why work at” button. ​ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITYWe are looking for an outstanding leader to join us as Assistant Principal, supporting the strategic and operational management, development and leadership of Harris Academy Wickford, and ensuring the achievement of our ethos, aims and objectives. ​MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

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, objectives and shared vision of the academy

To lead the development and maintenance of a high quality positive learning environment

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

To work with colleagues to ensure data is used effectively and consistently

To work with the SLT to lead the assessment and reporting programme

To support staff in making sure high quality intervention programmes are in place

To support colleagues and subject leaders in developing schemes of learning

With the SLT, to develop strategies to enhance teachers’ ability to learn and to develop advanced teaching skills

To raise students’ aspirations and achievement

To ensure the highest standards of achievement for all students

To ensure the entitlement of all students to have equal access to and participation in all aspects of the curriculum.

To ensure the efficient and effective provision of cross curricular skills, knowledge and understanding

To identify and monitor successful learning outcomes

To monitor, review and evaluate teaching and learning and classroom practice

To maintain an informed view of standards and of the quality of teaching across the academy

To challenge under-performance at all levels and throughout all departments

To establish, and maintain, the highest possible standards of behaviour, learning and attainment

To demonstrate and articulate high expectations and set aspirational targets

To act as a role model in the provision of high quality learning, teaching and assessment

To coordinate the activities of staff

To lead and manage staff in an appropriate manner

To assist in the implementation of effective procedures to support teachers who are underperforming

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

To promote and sustain effective management of the Academy environment

To provide information about the work and performance of staff

To chair meetings

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORWe would like to hear from you if you have

QTS (or equivalent) and a good undergraduate degree

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

​WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOUSenior Leader Development

With Harris, you will join a large network of likeminded senior leaders and have opportunities to learn from colleagues who are some of the best senior leaders in the country. Our senior leaders can benefit from tailored professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership which will enable you to develop your pedagogy, leadership skills and drive school improvement.

Supported by experienced mentors, you can access national professional qualifications and draw on expert knowledge from dedicated subject consultants who offer invaluable subject and curriculum insight.

Flexible Working

We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual’s circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

Benefits

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes an Annual Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.Safeguarding NoticeThe 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, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.Equal OpportunitiesThe 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. ​APPLYING FOR THIS POSITIONThank you for your interest in this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity, or to request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be help 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.