Head of School

What skills and experience we're looking for

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven Assistant or Vice Principal who is committed to serving in disadvantaged contexts and is looking to step into headship with the support of an experienced and dedicated Executive Principal to aid the transition into your new role and beyond. Ark Brunel belongs to a small cluster of west London Ark primaries and so the successful candidate will also have the support of the wider Ark network and fellow Ark heads. The appointed Head of School will join Ark Brunel in January 2027, or sooner if possible.

We encourage applications from local senior leaders and also welcome applications from leaders who may be returning to the UK having taught internationally, with recent and sufficient UK based school leadership experience. Please note that following the online first-round Teams interview, all shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an all day, in-person school-based assessment day.

What the school offers its staff

Influence across network-wide issues through our principal meetings and regional collaboration. Guidance from a supportive Executive Principal.On-hand expertise from our dedicated network education and operations teams who are ready to support you and your school.Bespoke teacher development programmes supported by the Great Teacher Rubric.Excellent career development opportunities across both the region and wider Ark network.Access to excellent senior leadership training.Highly competitive remuneration.

Further details about the role

Ark Brunel Primary Academy is a vibrant one-form entry school serving the diverse community in North Kensington, and we are now seeking a new Head of School.

We are proud to be a leading inclusive primary in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, with over 54% of our pupils on free school meals, and an on-site SEND unit that is highly regarded. The Ark Brunel school site enjoys state-of-the-art facilities for our children to enjoy and enhances our ability to bring our rich curriculum to life.

We are part of the Ark network, a highly successful MAT with a well-regarded CPD offer for leaders and teachers at all levels. We are passionate about developing and delivering excellent outcomes for students and invest significantly in our staff. If suitable, the appointed Head of School will be able to join Ark’s LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) programme. This is our homegrown programme for aspiring principals which combines professional coaching, peer to peer school monitoring visits, cohort training and unique insights into the personal journey of leadership.

Visits to the school prior to application are strongly encouraged and we warmly welcome confidential conversations about the role. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact our Senior Recruitment Advisor, Shevonnae Sokoya, Shevonnae.Sokoya@arkonline.org

To apply, please submit an application via the Ark recruitment portal by midnight, Friday 26th June. If you have any questions, concerns or time constraints with applying please contact us directly.

For more information about the role, the school and Ark, please view the full job pack.

Commitment to safeguarding

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. All employees must 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.