Ark Oval Primary Academy
Principal
Reports to: Regional Director
Start date: September 2025 or sooner if possible
Location: Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, CR0 6BA
Salary: Significant and generous salary, including potential relocation allowance
Contract : Permanent, full-time
Closing date: 9am, Friday 28 March
School visits: To be arranged as suitable for the candidate
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 31 March or to be arranged as suitable for the candidate
Ark Oval Primary Academy seeks to appoint a new Principal with a clear vision who will continue to embed real excellence in this high-achieving school. The new Principal will lead a strong, dedicated staff team and much to be proud of, but with still more to do.
Our school:
Ark Oval Primary Academy is a large and vibrant three-form entry primary school with over 30% of pupils on free school meals, serving the local community in east Croydon. The team at Ark Oval are on a mission to provide a quality education that empowers all pupils to flourish, and are therefore seeking to appoint a highly capable Principal to lead Ark Oval through the next chapter in its history.
Pupil outcomes at Ark Oval are positive, and in 2024, 12% of pupils met the greater depth standard in reading, writing and maths, putting them in the top 14% nationally. Additionally, 10% of pupil premium children achieved greater depth which put them in the top 13% nationally. With strong foundations in place, this is a fantastic opportunity for an existing headteacher seeking a new challenge in a large three-form entry primary, who would thrive in a collaborative network of schools.
Ark Oval is part of the Ark network, one of the country’s most successful multi-academy trusts. The newly appointed Principal will have the support of a dedicated Regional Director and have access to exceptional coaching and training opportunities, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with principal colleagues across London and our wider network.
What we offer:
* Influence across network-wide issues through our principal meetings and regional collaboration
* Support from an experienced and supportive Regional Director
* On-hand expertise from our dedicated network education and operations teams who are ready to support you and your school
* Bespoke teacher development programmes supported by the Great Teacher Rubric
* Excellent career development opportunities across both the region and wider Ark network
* Access to excellent senior leadership training
* Highly competitive remuneration.
How to apply:
We warmly welcome and encourage confidential conversations about the role and visits to our school for suitable candidates. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact the Regional Director, Kate Magliocco, on Kate.Magliocco@arkonline.org or our or our Head of Talent, Lexy di Marco, on Alexia.diMarco@arkonline.org
To apply, please submit an application via the Ark recruitment portal by 9am on Friday 28th March. If you have any questions, concerns or time constraints with applying please contact us directly.
For more information about the role, the school and Ark, please view the full job pack.
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.
Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Ark Schools are committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. To read more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion statement, please click this link.