About Us
A School That Inspires Excellence
We are an 11-18 academy with a thriving Sixth Form, set in a modern, welcoming building designed to ignite curiosity and ambition. In February 2024, Ofsted rated us ‘Outstanding’ in every category, stating:
“Pupils benefit hugely from attending this remarkable school. Staff and leaders’ sky-high expectations are immediately evident in pupils’ scholarly demeanour. The school and trust have created a centre of true excellence. Pupils experience an extraordinary education at Harris Academy Ockendon.”
But what truly defines us is our culture. We help our students and staff dream bigger than they ever thought possible and support them in turning those dreams into reality. At HAOC, three values shape everything we do: Work Hard. Be Kind. Take Responsibility.
These are not just words; they are the foundation of a school where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to be their best.
A Leadership Team That Believes in You
Our Principal, Ms Jo Rainey, is a leader who believes in transformation. Originally from Belfast, Jo took over at Ockendon in 2018, turning it from one of the lowest-performing schools in the country to one of the very best. With a strong sense of integrity, deep passion for student success, and unwavering commitment to staff and students, Jo has built a school that people want to be part of.
Our Executive Principal, George McMillan, knows that no school is beyond success and no child is beyond achievement. Originally from Glasgow, he has led several schools within the Harris Federation to excellence and Harris Academy Greenwich to world class status twice over, proving that high expectations, great teaching, and an ambitious culture can change lives.
Together at HAOC, Jo and George have created more than just a school, they've built a thriving community where students flourish and staff grow, finding purpose, progression, and fulfilment in their careers. This is a true centre of excellence, where every student is empowered to reach their full potential and every educator is supported to lead, innovate, and inspire.
Why Join Us?
* A high-achieving, inspiring 11-18 academy with a Sixth Form full of ambitious young people.
* A stunning, modern school building that provides an exceptional learning and working environment.
* An unbeatable location, just outside the M25, attracting staff from across Essex and London. Many of our team travel from Kent, Surrey, Southeast, and Central London because they love the school so much!
* A supportive, well-balanced working culture, where your professional growth matters, but so does your well-being.
* The backing of the Harris Federation, one of the most successful school groups in the country, while maintaining a unique and vibrant school identity.
The Harris Federation serves some of the most challenged areas in London and Essex, proving that education can change lives. While we share a collective mission, each Harris school has its own culture, its own identity, and its own way of making a difference.
Perhaps Harris Academy Ockendon is the school you’ve been looking for. If you’re ready to be part of something extraordinary, we’d love to hear from you.
Main Areas of Responsibility
We are looking for an Assistant Principal to join us at Harris Academy Ockendon – A School That Transforms Lives!
At Harris Academy Ockendon, we are passionate about three things:
1. Creating a remarkable school for the community we serve – a place where students are inspired, challenged, and supported to grow into well-rounded, ambitious, and successful young people, ready to put a ding in the universe.
2. Your path to professional excellence – we believe in nurturing talent, growing together, and empowering futures. Just as we are dedicated to our students, we are equally committed to ensuring our staff thrive and have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
3. Work-life balance matters – being an exceptional school should not come at the cost of well-being. HAOC is a life-friendly school where teaching and leading with balance is a priority. At HAOC work fits your life.
Being great at number 1 and number 2 should not mean we can’t do number 3!”
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A School That Inspires Excellence
We are an 11-18 academy with a thriving Sixth Form, set in a modern, welcoming building designed to ignite curiosity and ambition. In February 2024, Ofsted rated us ‘Outstanding’ in every category, stating:
“Pupils benefit hugely from attending this remarkable school. Staff and leaders’ sky-high expectations are immediately evident in pupils’ scholarly demeanour. The school and trust have created a centre of true excellence. Pupils experience an extraordinary education at Harris Academy Ockendon.”
But what truly defines us is our culture. We help our students and staff dream bigger than they ever thought possible and support them in turning those dreams into reality. At HAOC, three values shape everything we do: Work Hard. Be Kind. Take Responsibility.
These are not just words; they are the foundation of a school where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to be their best.
A Leadership Team That Believes in You
Our Principal, Ms Jo Rainey, is a leader who believes in transformation. Originally from Belfast, Jo took over at Ockendon in 2018, turning it from one of the lowest-performing schools in the country to one of the very best. With a strong sense of integrity, deep passion for student success, and unwavering commitment to staff and students, Jo has built a school that people want to be part of.
Our Executive Principal, George McMillan, knows that no school is beyond success and no child is beyond achievement. Originally from Glasgow, he has led several schools within the Harris Federation to excellence and Harris Academy Greenwich to world class status twice over, proving that high expectations, great teaching, and an ambitious culture can change lives.
Together at HAOC, Jo and George have created more than just a school, they've built a thriving community where students flourish and staff grow, finding purpose, progression, and fulfilment in their careers. This is a true centre of excellence, where every student is empowered to reach their full potential and every educator is supported to lead, innovate, and inspire.
Why Join Us?
* A high-achieving, inspiring 11-18 academy with a Sixth Form full of ambitious young people.
* A stunning, modern school building that provides an exceptional learning and working environment.
* An unbeatable location, just outside the M25, attracting staff from across Essex and London. Many of our team travel from Kent, Surrey, Southeast, and Central London because they love the school so much!
* A supportive, well-balanced working culture, where your professional growth matters, but so does your well-being.
* The backing of the Harris Federation, one of the most successful school groups in the country, while maintaining a unique and vibrant school identity.
The Harris Federation serves some of the most challenged areas in London and Essex, proving that education can change lives. While we share a collective mission, each Harris school has its own culture, its own identity, and its own way of making a difference.
Perhaps Harris Academy Ockendon is the school you’ve been looking for. If you’re ready to be part of something extraordinary, we’d love to hear from you.
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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
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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
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Thank you for your interest in this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity, or to request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers.
Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be help 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.
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Senior Leader Development
With Harris, you will join a large network of likeminded senior leaders and have opportunities to learn from colleagues who are some of the best senior leaders in the country. Our senior leaders can benefit from tailored professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership which will enable you to develop your pedagogy, leadership skills and drive school improvement.
Supported by experienced mentors, you can access national professional qualifications and draw on expert knowledge from dedicated subject consultants who offer invaluable subject and curriculum insight.
Flexible Working
We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual’s circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.
Benefits
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, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.
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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.
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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.
Professional Development & Benefits
Senior Leader Development
With Harris, you will join a large network of likeminded senior leaders and have opportunities to learn from colleagues who are some of the best senior leaders in the country. Our senior leaders can benefit from tailored professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership which will enable you to develop your pedagogy, leadership skills and drive school improvement.
Supported by experienced mentors, you can access national professional qualifications and draw on expert knowledge from dedicated subject consultants who offer invaluable subject and curriculum insight.
Flexible Working
We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual’s circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.
Benefits
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, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.