The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, part of the Woodard family of schools, is an oversubscribed and well-established 11–18 Academy, located between Worthing and Brighton and serving the students of Lancing, Sompting and Shoreham. The Academy sits proudly within the local community.

At SRWA we focus on delivering high quality inclusive teaching and learning which fires the imagination and supports all students to fulfil their potential, in line with our Academy motto of ‘Aspire to Achieve’.  We believe that students succeed when the environment is safe, kind and respectful, and we aim that every student is known and nurtured, with a sense of belonging.

We are excited to be recruiting for an exceptional Assistant Principal to join our Senior Leadership Team from September 2026.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively as part of the senior leadership team, playing a key role in the next phase of the Academy’s development, as we continue to build on the school’s progress and successes over recent years. The successful candidate will contribute to the leadership and overall strategic management of the school, in order to improve students' outcomes in all aspects of their education. 

Specifically, we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic individual, with a proven track record in the leadership of student attendance and behaviour. The Academy has demonstrable strength and breadth in the leadership and management of these areas, as evidenced by our considerably reduced suspension rates and our improved rates of student attendance. We are committed to ensuring ongoing development in these key areas, to support the wellbeing of our students and their continuously improving academic attainment.

We therefore invite applications from candidates with a demonstrable record of impact in attendance and behaviour. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate this fully in their application. The responsibilities of members of the Senior Leadership may then vary over time, remaining closely in line with the aims and objectives of the Academy.

The successful candidates will each:

• Have the skills and capacity to make a significant contribution to the leadership and management team
• Be an innovative and inspirational professional, who models high standards in all areas and quickly gains the respect of others
• Be able to inspire others with evidence of recent, impactful, whole-school success
• Be experienced in implementing change in relation to whole-school improvement in standards
• Have made a significant contribution to the leadership of attendance and behaviour
• Have extensive management experience as a middle leader or member of SLT
• Be able to hold staff to account and drive improvement where necessary
• Be able to successfully develop strong positive relationships with all stakeholders
• Lead by example as an outstanding classroom practitioner
• Have undertaken lesson observations and be experienced in giving constructive feedback
• Hold a strong belief that our students have the potential to be the best at whatever they challenge themselves to be
• Be fully committed to inclusive education and to fostering a sense of belonging in students
• Display excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. 

At SRWA, our people are at the heart of our success. We invest in our staff with wellbeing support, coaching, mentoring and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level, including at senior leadership.

SRWA teaching staff benefit from the following:-

• a collaborative approach and strong collegial relationships;
• the opportunity to join and/or benefit from Action Research Groups;
• proven student progress;
• excellent student behaviour;
• an extensive CPD programme tailored to skills and experience at all levels;
• strong links with Brighton and Sussex Universities and Woodard group schools;
• an established STEM group including work with RICARDO Engineering, a world leading company supporting SRWA;
• free employee assistance programme, dedicated staff wellbeing space and 1-1 mental health booster sessions available;
• free use of the Academy’s onsite gym;
• free on site car parking and easy access to local public transport;
• cycle to work scheme;
• free flu jabs.

A Staff Well-being survey in May 2025 revealed our staff consider these areas ‘outstanding’:

Staff morale and job satisfaction

Support from line managers and colleagues

Caring teachers

Appreciation of staff contribution and opportunities for staff to develop.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference to the life experiences and achievements of our students. 

Visits to the Academy are welcomed – please contact personnel@srwa.co.uk to request a visit.

Our commitment to Safeguarding:

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share in this commitment. All posts will be subject to full safeguarding and vetting checks, including the receipt of two satisfactory references.  Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal record self-declaration form and to give consent for an online search to be carried out against their name. 

The successful applicant for this post will be engaging in ‘regulated activity’, therefore they will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.  It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children, so individuals on the children’s barred list (and adults barred list where relevant) should not apply. 

Please be aware that the Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will reveal both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings, and any other information held by local police that is considered relevant to the role, unless any such information is ‘protected’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended).  If you are unsure, please visit this URL: https://www.gov.uk/tell-employer-or-college-about-criminal-record

There is a six-month probation period for all post-holders.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunities:

The Academy is committed to equality of opportunity. We positively welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from all sections of the community.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at our Academy is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.