Take your career to the next level

As the only all ability academy in Buckinghamshire, we do whatever it takes to tackle disadvantage and provide an outstanding education to everyone. Our innovative curriculum is as diverse as our student community and is purpose-designed to release the potential of academic high-flyers and those with SEN alike.

But what really sets us apart is our teachers: their passion drives our progress and transforms the way we think and work. You can join them and take your career to the next level.

Explore the opportunity

Due to the impending retirement of our current Senior Vice Principal, we are seeking an inspirational, visionary and highly motivated leader to help take our banded all ability academy into the next phase of our journey to excellence. This is a unique position, suitable for somebody who already has experience at Vice Principal/Deputy Head level and is looking to take their final step toward Headship.  You will have the support of a strong, stable and dynamic leadership and staff team to assist you in inspiring and empowering our students to believe in themselves, to challenge themselves, and to ‘Aspire and Achieve’.

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate leader who will:

• Contribute to the vision and strategic direction of the academy to ensure whole school improvement
• Inspire our community of young people to achieve beyond their expectations, whatever their ability, to become active participants in society and responsible citizens with a strong moral purpose
• Lead and manage the academy's annual appraisal process for all support and teaching staff.
• Monitor and analyse staff absence, implementing the appropriate policy and procedures.
• Strengthen partnerships with regional, like-minded, secondary and primary schools to support the exploration and development of the academy's future collaborations.
• Take a lead role in supporting HR and other leadership processes as appropriate, including disciplinary, capability, grievances and complaints.
• Support our Timetabler, ensuring value for money with regard to staffing requirements and the deployment of staff (in conjunction with Vice Principal – Curriculum).
• Strategically lead on whole school attendance, ensuring that robust systems secure improvement that is comparable to national standards.
• Lead and manage In-Year admissions and associated appeals.
• Lead and manage the academy PR strategies, promotional materials and events.

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification.  The specific details of this role can be tailored to suit the successful candidate’s skill set.

Discover what we can offer you

Would you like to work nine days but be paid for ten?  What really sets The Highcrest Academy apart is our teachers: their passion drives our progress and transforms the way we think and work and in return, we are committed to their well-being and mental health.  We understand the pressures that working in education can place on individuals and are always looking for ways to improve working conditions and offer our staff incentives that are not always available in education.

From September 2024, we will be implementing a 9-day working fortnight for all staff. The premise is simple, you will work nine days but be paid for ten, using the tenth day to ‘reset’, and thus giving you the opportunity to manage your work-life balance more effectively.  You will also enjoy a Wellness Day to relax and unwind every year in addition to school holidays.

Furthermore, we offer significant investment in your professional development and the possibility of onsite accommodation if you need to relocate. You can also expect facilities that are second to none, including an excellent canteen, gym and coffee shop, but above all, you will relish the satisfaction of transforming futures and helping our students overcome obstacles to experience life to the full.

We welcome visits from prospective candidates by prior appointment, at any point in advance of the interview day. To arrange a visit, please contact the Principal’s Personal Assistant via 01494 529866.

If you’re ready to lead our team, please complete our online application form via the apply button. The application form must include a supporting statement (no longer than two sides of A4), outlining how your experiences, skills and knowledge make you a suitable candidate for the position. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

The Highcrest Academy is fully committed to safeguarding children (polices on web). All members of staff are in a "regulated" role under the Vetting & Barring Scheme and have to be DBS cleared prior to employment.