Principal

About Park Academy West London

Park Academy West London is an ambitious 11–18 secondary school dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and student success, and aspires to be the best 11–18 school in West London.

As part of the Aspirations Academies Trust, our vision is built on the belief that student aspiration means being able to dream about the future while being inspired in the present. Our educational approach is guided by three core principles, Self-Worth, Engagement, and Purpose, and brought to life through a "No limits" curriculum that equips young people with deep knowledge, power skills, and character.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated leader to take Park Academy West London into its next stage of success.

As Principal, you will deliver dynamic strategic and operational leadership, cultivate a high-performing and supportive learning environment, and ensure high standards in teaching, student achievement, and behavior. Supported by a dedicated central team, including the Trust Chief Education Officer, phase Directors of Education, and specialist support across HR, finance, and premises, you will have the resources and collaborative network needed to make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a clear, community-focused strategic plan aligned with the Trust’s vision and underpinned by sound financial planning.

• Educational Excellence: Monitor, evaluate, and elevate the quality of teaching and learning across the 11–18 curriculum, embedding inclusive practices for all students.

• Achievement & Progress: Use performance data and self-evaluation to set ambitious targets, implement timely interventions, and drive strong progress against national benchmarks.

• Staff Development: Build leadership capacity, mentor senior and middle leaders, and foster a culture of personal responsibility and high-quality CPD.

• Culture & Values: Maintain high standards of student behavior, attendance, and punctuality within a warm, respectful, and disruption-free school culture.

• Community & Trust Collaboration: Engage regularly with parents, carers, and local partners while actively contributing to the wider Aspirations Academies network.

Candidate Requirements

Qualifications & Knowledge:

• Degree (or equivalent) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• NPQH qualification (or currently undertaking/commencing prior to role start date).

• Relevant, high-level training and involvement in safeguarding.

Experience & Skills:

• Senior leadership experience at Headteacher, Head of School, Deputy, or Assistant Headteacher level.

• A proven track record of outstanding classroom practice and improving teaching and learning.

• Demonstrated ability in performance data analysis, robust school self-evaluation, and target setting.

• Proven experience in effective behavior management and coaching/mentoring staff.

Personal Qualities:

• An ambitious, reflective, and resilient leader with strong moral purpose and humility.

• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships across students, staff, families, and the wider community.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: Outer London Leadership Pay Scale L29–L35 (£110,884 – £127,778 FTE).

• Professional Growth: 125 hours each year of dedicated professional growth time for full-time staff, supported by the Aspirations Learning Institute.

• Trust Support & Mobility: Expert mentorship from experienced former principals in the Trust central team, alongside career mobility opportunities across the network.

• Health & Wellbeing Benefits: Access to Occupational Health, an Employee Assistance Programme, and the Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Pension Scheme: Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing Date: 16th October 2026, 17:00

• Interview Day/Date: 12th November 2026

• Start Date: April 2027 or sooner