We are seeking a talented leader and outstanding practitioner who wants to be a part of transforming the opportunities of our students and helping create an exceptional place of learning. We will expect the Assistant Principal to support the further development of a positive and inclusive culture at the Academy, where every child is expected to do well and be supported. Our successful applicant will be a resilient, talented and highly motivated leader with drive and commitment to excellence as well as strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate to a range of stakeholders. As an Assistant Principal, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, supporting the strategic and operational management, development and leadership of Harris Academy Orpington, with a specific area of whole school responsibility that will both develop and complement your existing skills and interests. Specifc roles to be discussed with the successful applicant. DOWNLOAD JOB PACK FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION. About Us At Harris Academy Orpington, we have worked hard to create an environment where we look after and care for each other. Whilst being incredibly rewarding, working in schools can sometimes be hard. Colleagues at Harris Academy Orpington know that we work together as a team and we look out for each other; the environment here is one of care, nurture and support, along with a bit of challenge Harris Academy Orpington opened in September 2016, joining the highly successful Federation of Harris academies in London and the senior leaders here are experienced in creating and running great schools and that is what we are doing in BR5. We are a community school that serves families in and around Orpington and we are well on our way towards providing an outstanding education for the students who come here. We want out students to succeed and have choices in their lives; to take control of their futures and achieve beyond their dreams. We are ambitious, tenacious and enterprising and committed to helping our students succeed. Our work as a Health Science Specialist school, with students being given access to recognised professional qualifications, work experience and careers is unique and is designed to help and support the whole community who are regularly invited into the Academy to hear from guest speakers. We have the most incredible facilities; with brand new science labs, 3 Main Halls, Dance Studios, 3 Astro Turfs, Drama Studios, dedicated Art and DT blocks, we are incredibly proud of the work that our students do here. We have developed a curriculum that is ambitious and broad. We believe in the need to nurture an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and have designed a curriculum that does just that. We aim to ensure that every student is inspired and supported to achieve his/her personal best and learning comes first. Our motto is “Together We Can” and if you are interested in joining us, we would be very keen to meet you. Main Areas of Responsibility 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 Qualifications & Experience 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 For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack. Next Steps If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for 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. Professional Development & Benefits Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website. Safeguarding Notice 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. Equal Opportunities 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.