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Assistant Principal (Teaching and Learning)
The Thetford Academy
Source: UK Teaching Vacancies API · original listing ↗
Source date: 11/9/2026
About this role
Salary: Leadership Pay Scale Points 12-18 (£70,275 - £81,457 per annum) Full Time, Permanent Start Date: January 2027 Thetford 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 exceptional classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellence and a genuine passion for teaching and learning. The successful candidate will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils. In this role, you will lead the development and implementation of high-quality teaching and learning across the Academy. 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 • Develop and implement a clear vision for high-quality teaching and learning across the college. • Align classroom practices with the school’s improvement plan and national standards. • Lead initiatives that promote innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies. • Ensure the curriculum is broad, balanced, and meets statutory requirements. • Oversee curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment to maximise pupil progress. • Support subject leaders in designing schemes of work that reflect best practice. • Conduct lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny to evaluate teaching quality. • Design and deliver CPD programs focused on pedagogy. • Mentor and support teachers, including Early Career Teachers (ECTs). About You An outstanding Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning is a visionary leader and an expert in pedagogy, committed to driving excellence in classroom practice and pupil achievement. They demonstrate strategic leadership, ensuring that teaching and learning is at the heart of the school’s improvement plan. Through deep curriculum knowledge, they guarantee that learning is ambitious, inclusive, and aligned with national standards. They are a highly effective coach and mentor, inspiring teachers to refine their practice through constructive feedback, professional development, and collaborative learning. Above all, they are passionate about education, relentlessly focused on improving outcomes for every pupil and empowering teachers to deliver exceptional learning experiences. Essential: • An appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status • Experience at a Middle Leadership level • Deep understanding of effective teaching strategies, curriculum design, and assessment. • Ability to model and promote evidence-based practices. • Capacity to articulate and drive a clear vision for teaching and learning. • Strategic thinking to align classroom practice with school improvement priorities. • Skilled in giving constructive feedback and supporting teacher development. • Ability to inspire and motivate staff to improve practice. • Clear, confident communicator with staff, students, and parents. • Ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration. • Passion for professional learning and staying current with educational research. • Promotes a culture of high expectations and innovation. Desirable: • NPQ in Leading Teaching or Leading Teacher Development • Direct and successful experience of Ofsted inspection 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 Thetford Academy is a remarkable place to work and sits at the academic and cultural heart of its community. Our pupils follow a curriculum designed to prepare them for future challenges while fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the world. They are supported in developing strong values and habits that empower them to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond. Joining Thetford Academy means becoming part of a committed, supportive, and ambitious team. Staff benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, collaborative networks, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you are passionate about education and inspiring students to achieve their full potential, this is the place to grow your career. 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 Thetford, click here . In its 2025 inspection, Ofsted confirmed that The Thetford Academy has continued to provide a high-quality education, with excellent behaviour, a well-sequenced curriculum and impressive personal development opportunities. Pupils are proud to attend the school, feel safe, and benefit from committed staff and strong leadership. 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 Ilona Haye, PA to Principal (ilonahaye@inspirationtrust.org). 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: 9am on Monday 23rd November 2026 Interview date: Tuesday 1st December 2026 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.