Principal at Vale of York Academy

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New
  Job Reference #
EDV/2026/VYA/64544
  Location
Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton Without, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 6ZS
  Contract Type
Permanent
  Contract Term
Full-Time
  Salary
£98,105.00 - £105,594.00 Annually (Actual)
Leadership Points 27 to 30
  Closing Date
Midnight, Sun 19th Apr, 2026
  Start Date
1 September 2026
  Positions Available
1
   Positions Available        1
  Interview Date(s)
23rd and 24th April 2026
   Interview Date(s)           23rd and 24th April 2026
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About this Role

Heartwood  Learning Trust is looking for a dedicated and values driven Principal to provide strong leadership and management for Vale of York Academy, continuing  the  work of the current Principal.  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference.

Underpinned by our Trust values Respect, Teamwork and Kindness, we are a collaborative multi-academy Trust with a supportive central team and a great team of Principals.  

At Vale of York Academy our ethos is ‘Always giving the best’. Our ambition is that all our learners should experience “Life in all its fullness” and that we provide “a place to thrive”. We believe that our core purpose as an academy is to prepare our students for life after secondary education, by ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead successful lives. We want our learners to make a positive contribution to our local community and beyond. Vale of York is a vibrant school, full of opportunity and high expectation for all. At Vale of York each student benefits from a setting where everyone is valued as a unique individual. We work in partnership with Heartwood Learning Trust, which allows us to share and grow expertise, and offer a breath of experience for all our children. We believe in the power of positive relationships and work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and inclusivity.

The job holder will be required to:

  • Be a highly visible presence around the school and model expectations and standards to staff and pupils

  • Secure an excellent quality of education 

  • Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the school

  • Promote, support and develop an inclusive approach to meet the needs of all pupils 

  • Ensure that provision responds to the context of the school and the needs of the school community

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with:

  • A positive “can do” attitude and high expectations 

  • A desire to make a difference to all pupils and the school community

  • Experience of successful senior leadership in a school

  • The desire to work in strong partnership with other Principals in the Trust to ensure improved outcomes and experiences for all

  • A proven track record of positively impacting disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND

  • The ability to lead, manage and motivate colleagues

In return we can offer:

  • Experienced and supportive Trust leadership with a collaborative approach and an appreciative culture

  • Experienced  group of Secondary Principals and leaders who work in a highly supportive way

  • An established, experienced and strong central team that works closely with stakeholders across our schools/academies.

  • A commitment to continuing professional development 

  • Structured support to unlock talent

  • Teachers Pension Scheme

  • School Teachers national pay and conditions

  • Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

  • Cycle to Work scheme

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, we encourage you to have an informal conversation about the role with Helen Winn, Chief Executive Officer.  Please email  Recruitment@hlt.academy 

Interviews will take place on 23rd April 2026

Job Details

Hours of Work:  1 FTE

Position Type: Permanent Post

Line Manager: Chief Executive Officer

Travel Required: Occasional

The salary is dependent on current qualifications and experience, please see the attached job description for more information.


Application Process

Please complete the online application form to apply for this role. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.  You should use the information supplied with in the Job Description & Person Specification to make the best of your application by identifying some specific pieces of work you may have undertaken in any of these areas. Your application may be viewed in regard to some or all of the skill specific areas over the course of the selection process.  Applications via agencies will not be considered.

Interviews will take place as soon as possible after the closing date.


We are committed to safeguarding and protecting our children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes enhanced criminal records and barring checks, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks.

Our safeguarding system is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the Trust. On joining you will be required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practice and to safeguard our children and young people.


Contact Details

  Sarah Parnaby, HR Officer
  s.parnaby@hlt.academy


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