Vice Principal

Salary: £80,272 – £88,533
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 28th January 2026

About Cottenham Village College

Cottenham Village College is a vibrant and ambitious secondary school with a strong reputation for academic excellence and pastoral care. Serving a diverse and supportive community, we combine high expectations with a nurturing environment where every student is encouraged to achieve their full potential. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, and we are proud of our dedicated staff who work tirelessly to create disruption-free classrooms and a safe, inclusive atmosphere. With excellent facilities, a commitment to professional development, and a clear vision for success, Cottenham Village College offers an exciting opportunity for educators who want to make a real impact and be part of a forward-thinking team.

About the Role

As Vice Principal, you will work side-by-side with the Principal to shape the strategic direction of the school. You will play a visible role in all areas of school improvement, driving academic outcomes and fostering a scholarly culture. This is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced senior leader who can uphold the highest standards and inspire others to do the same.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic improvements across teaching, behaviour, and safeguarding.
• Develop and implement priorities quickly to secure impact.
• Be a visible and influential presence across the school, modelling excellence.
• Use evidence and data to monitor, diagnose, and evaluate performance, driving continuous improvement.
• Lead and inspire staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Uphold the highest standards of behaviour and culture, ensuring accountability at all levels.
• Tackle underperformance robustly and effectively.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement planning and execution.

What We’re Looking For

• A proven track record of impact in senior leadership.
• An outstanding classroom practitioner with strong outcomes.
• The ability to lead with credibility, intellect, and resilience.
• A commitment to inclusion and ensuring every child feels safe and supported.
• Ambition, drive, and the ability to inspire and challenge others.

To arrange a visit or to find out more, please contact Sharon O’Mullane at: Sharon.OMullane@astreacottenham.org

Closing Date:

The closing date for applications is 28th January 2026. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and enhanced DBS checks. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in our workforce. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to promoting a culture that ensures there are no barriers to the recruitment, development, and progression of disabled staff across the trust. We provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

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. Apply today to avoid disappointment and become a part of our mission to create a positive impact!

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!