The posting
Salary: Leadership Pay Scale Points 12-18 (£70,275 - £81,457 per annum)
Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: January 2027
Wayland Academy is seeking to appoint an Assistant Principal to join our Senior Leadership Team at an exciting time in the school's development. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to ensuring that all students develop the knowledge, skills and character they need to lead great lives.
We are looking for an ambitious, motivated and inspiring leader who shares our belief that every student deserves an excellent education, the opportunity to succeed and the support they need to fulfil their potential. A key part of this role will be working with colleagues across the Academy to strengthen provision and outcomes in SEND and inclusion, attendance and behaviour, helping to create an environment where every student can engage positively with learning and thrive.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the strategic direction and ongoing development of the Academy, working collaboratively to raise standards, improve the quality of education and ensure consistently high expectations across the school.
The successful candidate will be passionate about our vision of creating a truly academic school and embrace our ethos of genuine mutual respect. You will combine strong strategic leadership with a visible presence around the Academy, building positive relationships with students, staff, parents and carers, and external partners.
What You’ll Be Doing
Working with the Senior Leadership Team, you will drive school improvement, promoting high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, attendance and pupil outcomes. You will strengthen SEND and inclusion provision, address barriers to learning, analyse performance data and support effective improvement planning.
You will lead and develop colleagues, contribute to the tutor programme and pupils’ personal development, and build strong partnerships with families and external agencies. You will promote equality and inclusion, undertake line management responsibilities and deputise for the Vice Principal when required.
The precise areas of responsibility will be agreed in line with the needs and priorities of the Academy, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute across a broad range of school leadership and improvement activities.
About You
We are seeking an outstanding teacher and aspiring or experienced senior leader with the vision, determination and expertise to improve outcomes for young people. You will promote high expectations, academic ambition and strong relationships, with a clear understanding of how SEND and inclusion, attendance and behaviour support successful learning.
You will be a reflective and effective leader, able to use evidence to drive improvement, motivate colleagues and build positive partnerships with pupils, families and external partners. Above all, you will be committed to ensuring every pupil receives a high-quality education and is supported and challenged to fulfil their potential.
Essential:
- A first degree or equivalent and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Proven experience as an effective classroom practitioner, with a strong understanding of high-quality teaching and learning.
- Experience of leadership within an educational setting and the ability to contribute to strategic planning and school improvement.
- The ability to analyse and interpret performance data, establish priorities and set challenging targets to improve pupil achievement and outcomes.
- Experience of leading, motivating and supporting colleagues to achieve high standards and improve professional practice.
- The ability to develop and implement initiatives that improve the quality of education and address barriers to pupil engagement, progress and achievement.
- Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with pupils, staff, parents, carers and external partners.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, make well-informed decisions and respond effectively to challenges.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with a clear belief in the potential of every pupil.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development and a willingness to undertake relevant leadership training.
Desirable:
- A postgraduate qualification or a willingness to work towards one.
- Experience of supporting improvements in pupil achievement, attendance, behaviour or inclusive practice.
- Experience of Ofsted inspection and school improvement processes.
Why Join Inspiration Trust
At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.
We offer:
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
- Free parking at most sites
- Personalised CPD and development programmes
- A structured and specific induction programme.
* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.
About Us
Wayland Academy is an oversubscribed, high-performing secondary school at the heart of Norfolk, known for its positive atmosphere and low staff turnover. In 2025, 64% of students achieved grades 9-5 in English and Mathematics, and the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.61 in 2024, positioning it among the highest-performing secondary schools in Norfolk and Suffolk.
At Wayland Academy, staff believe that every student is entitled to the highest-quality education, unlocking their potential for excellent grades and a future of their choice. Our curriculum vision reflects the Academy’s role in the community, promotes understanding and enrichment, and prioritises students’ reading, vocabulary, and fluency in both spoken and written language. We take both learning and pastoral care seriously, ensuring that our students leave confident, capable, and ready to thrive in the wider world.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.
The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
For information on what it is like to live and work in Watton, click here. The most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2023 gave Wayland Academy an overall grade of ‘Good'. “School and Trust leaders form a strong and cohesive team which has driven, and continues to secure, school improvement.”
Next Steps
Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Planning your application” section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Julie Amys, PA to Principal ([email protected]).
To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form.
When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm on Tuesday 13th October 2026
Interview date: Friday 16th October 2026 (This date is fixed and alternatives cannot be offered)
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
