About Us

City of London Academies Trust believes strongly in the transformational nature of education operating schools in areas of significant disadvantage. We understand that strong outcomes lead to improved life chances for our students, so we are unashamedly academic and unapologetically results driven. Each of our schools adopt a ‘warm/strict’ approach, combining high expectations with care and support. Our level of care means we never compromise on standards or expectations, ensuring that no student’s background becomes a reason for lowering the bar. Our schools maintain exemplary standards of behaviour, with systems, rituals and norms that instil strong habits. As a result, our schools provide an environment where our teachers can teach, and students can learn without disruption. We take great pride in fostering an exceptionally positive learning environment and we work meticulously to maintain our strong ethos and culture.

 COLAT is driven by an unwavering ambition to be the best. We believe exceptional leaders and teachers create outstanding schools, transforming lives and shaping the future of every student. We have academies located in north, south and east London, and we combine the heritage and tradition of the Corporation of London with a genuinely innovative, enterprising, and entrepreneurial ethos. We are also committed to providing training and development to all our staff, plus excellent career advancement opportunities within our evolving Trust.

About you

You will be fully aligned with our approach, understanding the critical role you play in shaping a behavioural and learning culture within our school. You will be adept at using direct instruction pedagogy and delivering a well sequenced, knowledge rich curriculum. Dynamic, inspiring and highly effective, you will strive to surpass what has been achieved. You will be committed to creating an environment that promotes academic, creative, sporting, linguistic and personal achievement.

This is an exciting time to be part of the City of London Academies Trust, and we very much hope that you will be inspired to want to join us. We are committed to investing in the next generation of COLAT people who will embody the Trust’s culture, values and ethos.

Our Academy

At CoLA Southwark we are dedicated to fostering high levels of achievement, self-discipline, and personal growth. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to ensure that students reach their full potential, both academically and personally. This commitment is rooted in our core values of Integritas, Ambition, Resilience, and Duty, which are embedded into every aspect of our school life. Our purpose, the Exploration of Life, commits us to providing our students with access to the best that has been thought, said and written.

One of our unique and standout features is our renowned Basketball Academy, offering students access to professional coaching and competitive opportunities at the highest level. This program has helped many students excel nationally and even secure basketball scholarships to prestigious institutions in the United States and beyond.

In addition, our sixth form provides students with a choice between academic and vocational pathways, allowing them to continue their studies while pursuing their sporting interests. Many of our students go on to attend high tariff universities in the UK and internationally, or secure places in competitive school-leaver programs.

 In our academy, we expect students to work hard and to show dedication and commitment to their education. There are clear boundaries and rules which students must adhere to at all times. They must exhibit exemplary character and conduct and demonstrate respect, kindness and politeness towards each other and the adults. In return, we provide them with an excellent education both in terms of examination success and personal development helping them develop the skills and values they will need to be successful in later life.

We look for ambitious and culturally aligned staff who are enthusiastic, hardworking, conscientious and energetic individuals. Our people want to work with students to ensure that, regardless of their background and circumstances, they will achieve to the best of their ability. In return, we offer a calm, orderly and respectful environment. We also offer a range of staff benefits and development opportunities which support your professional and career development. You will be able to learn from some of the best and most able practitioners in the country. There is a far-reaching commitment to ensuring that all our staff are given the access to excellent development and induction programmes. There is also a clear imperative, driven by senior staff, to minimise bureaucracy and maximise impact, which to date has been hugely welcomed by staff and produced outstanding results for our students.

 About the Role

The city of London academy want to appoint a highly skilled and dedicated VPA Technician to join us in  2026..We are seeking passionate and driven individuals with good communication and organisational skills and a desire to make a difference to the lives of our pupils and their communities.

If you match our ambition and want to join our dedicated team of professionals, we would love to hear from you. Candidates must address the person specification in no more than 1,000 words. Applications must be submitted via the My new term portal on the following link:

 Closing date for applications 5th Janauary 2025

 City of London Academies Trust supports Equal Opportunities Employment.

 City of London Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including enhanced DBS checks and a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the standards which flows from City of London Academies Trust vision and values.

 Our school is based in the heart of an evolving community in Southwark , and we value the diversity of our workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

The role is covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.

 City of London Academies Trust Company Registration No. 04504128.