The Challenge Academy Trust is seeking an exceptional and visionary Principal to lead The Sutton Academy, a thriving and well-established 11–18 academy located in St Helens, into its next exciting chapter. This is a unique opportunity for an inspirational leader, with proven senior management experience, to drive excellence and innovation.

As Principal, you will be the leading professional at the academy, accountable to the Local Governing Challenge Board (LGCB) and the Trust Board.  You will:

• Provide inspirational, strategic, and operational leadership to ensure continued school improvement and academic excellence.
• Foster a culture of high expectations, equity, and aspiration for all.
• Work collaboratively with TCAT and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for students and staff alike.
• Champion staff development, wellbeing, and innovation in teaching and learning.
• Ensure an inclusive, safe, and nurturing environment where all students can thrive.

You will have:·

• A proven track record of successful senior leadership in a secondary setting. 
• The drive, resilience, and integrity to lead with conviction and compassion. 
• A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and promoting high standards.
• The ability to unite and inspire staff, students, parents, and the wider community.
• A deep understanding of educational improvement, curriculum development, and effective school systems.

We are resolute in our belief that schools make a difference. Lives and the communities that they serve are transformed by them. Every child deserves the right to a world class education, and it is our core purpose to raise aspirations and improve outcomes for all.

The academy ethos is built around the highest expectations of all, and we see it as our duty to ensure that students have the best life chances possible, leaving the academy well prepared to take their place in the world as confident and responsible adults.

This is a unique opportunity for an inspirational leader to shape the future of a school with a strong foundation and a bold vision.

You can learn more about The Sutton Academy and The Challenge Academy Trust via the links below:

The Sutton Academy

Our Prospectus - The Sutton Academy

The Challenge Academy Trust – TCAT Warrington

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Andrew Moorcroft, TCAT CEO, via email: a.moorcroft@tcat.uk.com or Victoria Briggs, TCAT Director of Education, via email: v.briggs@tcat.uk.com

Tours of the school can be arranged on request by contacting Victoria Briggs, TCAT Director of Education, via email: v.briggs@tcat.uk.com

The closing date for applications is noon on Thursday 07 May 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an assessment centre, to be held at the academy on Wednesday 20 May 2026

Following the assessment centre, candidates will be reviewed with successful candidate being invited to a formal panel interview on Thursday 21 May 2026

Terms and Benefits

• Salary: Leadership Scale L32 – L38 (£110,892 - £128,447)
• Eligible for membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Occupational Sick Pay Scheme (entitlements based on service).
• Access to TCAT+, our Reward and Wellbeing platform, including access to retailer discounts and benefits, car lease scheme, discounted healthcare cash plan, cycle to work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and other online resources to support physical, emotional, professional, financial and social wellbeing.
• Access to a comprehensive CPD framework through ‘Education Connect’, our professional development arm, and online resources from the National College’.
• An environment where employee health and wellbeing are actively supported and promoted.