Sutton, Surrey
Harris Academy Sutton

We are looking for an outstanding leader to join us as Assistant Principal, supporting the strategic and operational management, development and leadership of Harris Academy Sutton, and ensuring the achievement of our ethos, aims and objectives.

About Us

Harris Academy Sutton is a highly successful and award-winning fully comprehensive school. Our results (Progress 8: +1.10) place us in the top ten of truly non-selective schools in the country in terms of progress from Key Stage 2. Our founding ambition remains unchanged: that our students will receive an education and experience that allows them to stand toe-to-toe with any of their peers. This ambition is particularly important to us in an area of London which is highly selective and contains many grammar and faith schools.

As a HASU member of staff at any level you will receive the training and support that you need to carry out your role effectively and develop at a pace that suits you.

We are committed to ensuring that our staff have the right level of balance between work and home life. Our policies and procedures are aimed at allowing our teaching staff to spend as much time as possible planning and delivering lessons.

We work in an award-winning building with excellent facilities. Our staff are happy and are respected by the leadership team.

We run a broad and diverse curriculum to a fully comprehensive intake of students.

Our focus on the core value of Integrity means that our behaviour is excellent, with staff supported by a strong and highly visible Academy Leadership Group. Detentions are run centrally, allowing teaching staff to do what they do best: plan and teach amazing lessons.

Attendance and engagement with learning is high, and centrally planned tutor time resources ensure that our tutors can engage with students whilst delivering high-quality experiences.

We are located in Sutton, with excellent public transport and road links. Central London (Clapham, Victoria) is 25 minutes away, whereas journeys from Kent, Sussex and Surrey are attainable by car with the M25 (Junction 6) just a short 12 minutes away. We have safe and secure onsite parking with electric charging points and ample bicycle storage with dedicated staff showers.

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.

Qualifications & Experience

We 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

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

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

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The 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 Opportunities

The 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.

Assistant Principal: Director of Key Stage 4

Job Overview