Vice Principal – Quality of Education

Full‑time, Permanent
Salary: Leadership Scale L20–L24
Closing date: 1st March

About St Ivo Academy

St Ivo Academy is a large, inclusive 11–18 academy in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, proudly serving its community since 1955. The school is rated “Good” in all Ofsted categories following its April 2024 inspection, with inspectors highlighting positive improvements credited by students for making the school a “better place.” 

With around 1,500 students, including a vibrant Sixth Form, St Ivo Academy is truly comprehensive and inclusive. The academy is firmly committed to a knowledge-rich curriculum, traditional high standards, impeccable behaviour, and a scholarly culture built on explicit instruction and evidence‑based teaching practice. 

St Ivo is unapologetically ambitious for every child, ensuring all students, regardless of background, starting point, or need have access to powerful knowledge and a high‑quality academic education. 

The Role: Vice Principal – Quality of Education

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader to drive the quality of education across the academy. This role is central to ensuring an ambitious curriculum, consistently high‑quality teaching, and excellent outcomes for every student.

Key Responsibilities

The Vice Principal (Quality of Education) will:

• Lead the strategic development of teaching and learning across the academy.
• Ensure the curriculum is knowledge‑rich, coherent, and sequenced to support progression for all students.
• Oversee quality‑assurance systems including learning walks, work reviews, and data analysis.
• Support curriculum and subject leaders with curriculum design, assessment practice, and instructional excellence.
• Promote exemplary behaviour and uphold the academy’s warm/strict, disruption‑free learning culture.
• Lead professional development rooted in evidence‑based practice including Rosenshine principles and Teach Like a Champion.
• Drive improvement in student outcomes through monitoring, evaluation, and targeted intervention.
• Contribute to the wider leadership of the academy as part of the senior team.

What We Offer

• Huge support and progression opportunities
• A knowledge-rich curriculum built on ‘powerful knowledge’ and traditional teaching methods
• Collaborative planning with centralised, shared units of work and resources
• Excellent support from Astrea central team colleagues
• Opportunity to teach up to A Level
• A feedback policy focused on whole‑class feedback – no onerous marking policies
• Disruption‑free learning and a warm/strict behaviour system
• Highly visible and supportive senior leaders
• Centralised detentions, including homework detentions
• No formal graded lesson observations – only no‑stakes instructional coaching
• Excellent ongoing CPD, career development and promotion opportunities across the Astrea Cambridgeshire region
• Opportunities to complete NPQs
• An unrivalled professional progression model
• A very pleasant location in beautiful Cambridgeshire

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a values‑driven, ambitious senior leader who:

• Has a strong track record in leading curriculum and teaching‑and‑learning improvement.
• Believes deeply in a knowledge‑rich curriculum and high academic expectations for all students. 
• Models professionalism, high standards, and evidence‑informed practice.
• Brings exceptional communication, leadership, and coaching skills.
• Can inspire and develop staff at all career stages.
• Embraces and promotes our warm/strict, scholarly culture

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact.