Principal

Teach Midlands; Kettering; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in Kettering is seeking a committed Principal to lead St Andrews CE Primary School. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in senior leadership, possess excellent communication skills, and demonstrate a commitment to developing children's learning in a Christian values-led environment. Responsibilities include inspiring staff, managing the school effectively, and ensuring children's safety and happiness. A supportive team and opportunities for professional growth await the successful candidate.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive staff team

Opportunity to make a difference

Qualifications

• Recent successful senior leadership experience.
• Able to ensure children feel safe and happy.
• Confident using various behaviour management strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the school effectively.
• Inspire and motivate staff with high expectations.
• Promote the vision of the school and community.

Skills

Excellent communication

Ability to build partnerships

Excellence in teaching

Behaviour management strategies

Flexibility and independence

Team collaboration

Commitment to Christian ethos

Ambition and enthusiasm

Job description

The Trust is seeking to appoint an inspiring, talented and dynamic individual to lead St Andrews CE Primary School forward. You will be a senior leader who is ready to take your next step in your career in a strong values-led school with a commitment to staff growth and well-being as well as outstanding progress for all pupils.

As Principal, you will have responsibility for the leadership and management of the school. You will be able to inspire and motivate staff to share the ambitions and high expectations for the school and will be able to work in partnership with parents and children to ensure the school serves its community. You will promote the vision and direction of this successful primary and nursery school enabling it to build on its achievements.

St. Andrew’s is a Christian values-led, highly popular school and nursery in the heart of Kettering. We’re proud of the way children not only make good progress in their learning, but also how we take such pride in developing our children’s character and behaviour. Children are at the heart of every decision we make as we strive to serve and better our community.

Following a recent successful OFSTED inspection in 2023, our school has received a very well-deserved rating of Good, and inspectors commented;

“This is an extremely inclusive and welcoming school. Pupils get on well with each other. They are caring and kind. They enjoy positive relationships with staff. Staff hold pupils’ interests at the heart of all that they do.”

St Andrew’s CE Primary School is proud to be a member of the Peterborough Diocese Education Trust (PDET), a forward‑thinking academy trust which is fully committed to the ‘flourishing of all’. The Trust regards developing people as a key priority in order to achieve educational excellence. Hence, the Trust invests in people to develop their individual skills and talents; all members of staff are appreciated and valued for the part they play in a highly effective team.

Looking to recruit someone who:

• has recent, successful senior leadership experience looking for an opportunity to take the next step in their leadership career
• is an excellent communicator and is able to build effective partnerships with families, staff, school forums and the wider community
• ensures all children feel safe, happy, and able to learn
• shows excellence in teaching and learning
• has an understanding of the curriculum and pastoral needs of primary aged children
• is confident in using a range of behaviour management strategies
• has the ability to work effectively, flexibly, and independently and above all is a committed team member
• has the skills to lead, improve and sustain achievement for all children and is willing to embrace and promote the Christian ethos of the school
• has a flexible approach to working
• is driven, ambitious and enthusiastic.

In return, we can offer you:

• A school that is committed to the importance of developing children’s creativity, imagination and love of learning.
• A forward‑thinking, creative school that prides itself in supporting and encouraging professional development to ensure you are successful and continue to grow as an educator and leader.
• A school that believes in kindness, love and Christian values that underpins our approach to the whole school community.
• A high‑quality, committed staff team who are passionate about ‘making a difference’
• A large trust, spanning Northamptonshire, Rutland and Peterborough, that is highly committed to professional development and provides access to a range of developmental and career opportunities.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

The Trust welcomes interest from any senior leader / teacher from a church school / non‑church school who shares the school’s values.

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail please contact Gill Broughton, Director of Education, PDET, by email to [e-mail] or by calling 07849 083542.

To arrange a visit, please feel free to contact Kirstin Howarth, Acting Co‑Head Teacher & Leadership Support Officer, by email to [e-mail].

Closing Date – 9am on Tuesday 13th January 2026

Interviews Scheduled – Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st January 2026

We are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and successful applicants will need to provide two references and undergo a DBS and medical check provided by the school.

Location Grafton Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN16 9DF, UK