Deputy Principal

As of September 2025, we have a rare leadership opportunity within a very successful, local multi-academy trust. Leigh Academies Trust is seeking to appoint a highly effective senior leader to join us as Deputy Principal at Leigh Academy Blackheath. To view the structure of the senior leadership team, please click here.

Our successful candidate will be a talented, inspiring and highly motivated leader. Personal qualities such as passion, commitment and a can-do attitude are incumbent to the role. Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate to a range of stakeholders is essential. You will be joining a supportive, committed and passionate Academy Leadership Team who are dedicated to deliver our core purpose ‘Education for a better world’. We are looking for an experienced professional who can demonstrate the impact of strategic leadership, excellent management and a proven track record of success in raising standards.

This is an exciting time to join our Academy Leadership Team. You will be expected to play a key role in developing the strategic vision for Leigh Academy Blackheath whilst ensuring that our students develop their full potential, achieve academic success and develop our core values. The successful applicant will facilitate a significant role within the Academy Leadership Team, will deputise for the Principal on the rare occasion that they’re off site or absent and will work with significant autonomy.

We wish to hear from you if you are committed to making a difference to the lives of our community and are :

• an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious leader with a successful track record at secondary level;
• an excellent classroom practitioner and a passionate advocate for your subject specialism;
• a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of students and staff;
• confident and able to communicate the values and vision of the academy;
• able to develop children holistically to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
• approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;

able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

Please click here to view the full Recruitment Pack

Application process

Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this.

On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Lisa Ball (PA to Principal) - [email protected] . Visits will be offered and hosted by the Principal, Emma Smith. Please ensure you offer Lisa a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the academy.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the Principal about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Lisa Ball (as above) in the first instance.

Application closing date : Monday 19th May 2025, 9am

Shortlisting date : Monday 19th May 2025, PM

Interview date : Thursday 22nd May 2025

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information please contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor) on 01634 412 245 or [email protected] .