Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more 

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people. 

This is an opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational Principal to lead Cowes Enterprise College into its next chapter of success starting in September 2026. 

As Principal, you will play a pivotal role in creating an exceptional educational environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Your leadership will ensure that the academy is not only a great place for students to learn but also a rewarding and fulfilling workplace for staff. You will be the driving force behind the academy’s success—an architect of its future.

This is a position of influence, where you will shape culture, raise aspirations, and make a lasting impact. Beyond your school, your vision will contribute to the wider success of the Trust and its reputation within the sector. We value your expertise, experience, and passion to inspire excellence and deliver success for every student and every member of staff.

This is more than a job —it’s a chance to make a lasting impact on young lives and the future of education.

About you

We are looking for an experienced leader who shares our vision and is fully committed to excellence in all aspects of curriculum, teaching and learning and pastoral care for the benefit of all our students and their families.

You will have a significant and credible track record as a Principal or Deputy Head. You will be aligned with the purpose, ethos and values of the Trust and have the maturity to lead a team, whilst collaborating with other teams to get things done.

Ultimately, you will share our belief in the power of education to change lives for young people, and have the intellectual, interpersonal and operational capabilities required every day to improve education at a local level within a national organisation.

About Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy

Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy is based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The school is an 11-19 co-educational academy with 1,164 students, including 185 students in the sixth form.

This is a time of great innovation and forward thinking at Cowes Enterprise College. We aim to ‘educate for life’ here and students have an appetite for success, parents are supportive and proud of our work, and staff are committed to unleashing potential.

Our broad, balanced and aspirational curriculum, combined with strong pastoral care means that we can support our students to become successful and responsible 21st century citizens and life-long learners.

About Ormiston Academies Trust

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.  

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys… 

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive 

• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve 

• Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities 

• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits 

Benefits that care for you 

When you join us at Ormiston, you can expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role. Our benefits package includes:  

• 42 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Membership of TPS 
• Private health insurance
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling services. 
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform. 
• Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Automatic pay progression 
• Flexible working arrangements 

And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust 

Relocation assistance may be available to support the successful candidate.

If you are passionate about making a difference and are ready to lead in a challenging yet rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you. 

For further information about this exciting leadership opportunity please contact our recruitment partner, Chris Gartner from Think Leadership, on 07454 679 918 or via email to chris.gartner@thinkrecruitment.co.uk.

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 2 February 2026, with interviews being held on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 February 2026 at Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy. Shortlisted candidates will be notified on Tuesday 3 February 2026.

More information about this post and the role of a Principal within Ormiston is available in the accompanying information pack. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.  Flexible working opportunities will be considered.   

 All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.  

 The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974