Principal

Teach Midlands; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational trust is seeking a Principal for Oakway Academy, located in Wellingborough. This leadership role requires a strategic vision to support disadvantaged pupils, ensuring high standards of achievement and a commitment to inclusion. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record, SEND expertise, and experience in curriculum leadership. Join a collaborative network and contribute to the transformation of the academy's ethos and performance. Opportunities for professional development and career progression included.

Benefits

High-quality professional development

Collaborative network of leaders

Access to Trust-wide resources

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in raising attainment for all pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged.
• SEND expertise and commitment to inclusive practice.
• Experience in curriculum leadership, ideally in mathematics or school improvement.
• Ability to engage families and the wider community.
• Resilience, empathy and a strong moral purpose around social mobility and inclusion.
• Senior leadership experience in a large primary school (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead school-wide progress using evidence-based strategies to raise attainment and inclusion.
• Achieve visible progress on improving attendance.
• Embed instructional coaching to strengthen teaching quality and professional growth.
• Build partnerships with families and the wider community to enhance outcomes.

Skills

Raising attainment

SEND expertise

Curriculum leadership

Community engagement

Resilience

Senior leadership experience

Job description

Lead the next chapter at Oakway Academy and bring your inclusive, collaborative leadership to drive transformational change. We need a Principal with strategic vision, a commitment to inclusion, and high expectations for every child. This is your opportunity to raise aspirations and improve outcomes for all pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged.

About the Role

Following the internal promotion of the previous Principal to a Trust-level role, we seek an aspirational leader to guide Oakway Academy through its next phase of improvement. With 580 pupils across 21 classes, the academy serves a richly diverse community facing some socio-economic challenge and increasing SEND complexity.

As Principal, you will shape the academy’s future through strategic leadership that drives sustained improvement, modelling inclusion and removing barriers to learning so every pupil thrives. You will lead with vision and collaboration, empowering staff and fostering a culture of belonging and high expectations.

You will join a collegiate network of Principals and senior leaders who share expertise and drive improvement across our schools. We believe in teamwork and mutual support, creating an environment where ideas are valued and success is celebrated collectively.

Role Priorities

• Lead school-wide progress using evidence-based strategies to raise attainment and inclusion
• Achieve visible progress on improving attendance
• Embed instructional coaching to strengthen teaching quality and professional growth
• Build partnerships with families and the wider community to enhance outcomes

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in raising attainment for all pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged
• SEND expertise and commitment to inclusive practice
• Experience in curriculum leadership, ideally in mathematics or school improvement
• Ability to engage families and the wider community
• Resilience, empathy and a strong moral purpose around social mobility and inclusion
• Senior leadership experience in a large primary school (desirable)

About Oakway Academy

Oakway Academy is a Good school which benefits from high standards of behaviour, a robust and ambitious curriculum and a strong financial position. Oakway’s community values warmth, visibility, and a leader who listens and acts; someone who understands diverse family contexts and aspires for every child to succeed.

What We Offer

• High-quality professional development, including coaching and leadership CPD
• Collaborative network of Principals and senior leaders
• Be part of a thriving Challenge Partners Hub of schools across the whole of the Midlands
• Access to Trust-wide resources for curriculum, SEND, and school improvement
• Career progression opportunities within a growing multi-academy trust

About Hatton Academies Trust

We are a family of schools committed to outstanding education and improving life chances for every child. Our culture is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and ambition, with a clear focus on inclusion and high expectations.

The closing date for this vacancy is 12.00pm, Monday 26 January 2026.

Interviews: Wednesday 11 February 2026

Our recruitment processes help us understand what you uniquely contribute. Submissions that rely too heavily on AI risk obscuring the very qualities we are looking to discover. If you use AI, let it support your thinking, not replace it.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will undergo an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Location Oakway Academy, Oakway, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4SD, UK