The Challenge Academy Trust and Priestley College are seeking an exceptional leader to become the College's next Principal. With around 2,000 learners and a wide curriculum offering of over 70 A Level, T Level and vocational courses, Priestley plays a vital role in shaping the future of young people across the area.

As a proud member of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT), Priestley College is a thriving and well-established 16-19 academy located in the heart of Warrington. The College works collaboratively with local schools to drive educational excellence and improve outcomes for all young people in Warrington. Priestley is recognised for its inclusive culture, high-quality teaching, strong student motivation, and ambitious, well-planned curriculum.

 This is a unique opportunity for an inspirational leader with proven senior management experience in post 16 or secondary settings and the drive to continue Priestley’s journey of excellence and innovation

 As Principal, you will:       

• Provide outstanding leadership and drive the College’s strategic direction in line with TCAT’s mission and values.
• Champion high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, securing continuous improvement and strong outcomes for students.
• Lead an inclusive, ambitious and student-centred culture where all learners are supported to excel.
• Build strong partnerships with local schools, employers, community organisations and regional stakeholders.
• Ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and effective governance across all aspects of the College.
• Work collaboratively with TCAT and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for students and staff alike.
• Ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and effective governance across all aspects of the College.

You will have:

• A proven track record of successful senior leadership encompassing a post-16 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 education systems.

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

• www.priestley.ac.uk
• Priestley College Prospectus
• www.tcat.uk.com

Additional information on the role, the Trust and the College is included in the applicant pack which also includes the job description and person specification for the role.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Andrew Moorcroft, TCAT CEO, via email: a.moorcroft@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 Monday 09 March 2026.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an assessment centre, to be held on Thursday 26 March 2026.
• Following the assessment centre, candidates will be reviewed with successful candidates being invited to a formal panel interview on Friday 27 March 2026.

Terms and Benefits:

1. Salary: £122,306 - £141,693
2. Sixth Form Colleges Association Leadership terms & conditions of employment. 
3. Eligible for membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
4. Occupational Sick Pay Scheme (entitlements based on service.
5. Access to TCAT+, our Reward, Recognition 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.
6. Access to a comprehensive CPD framework through ‘Education Connect’, our professional development arm, and online resources from the National College’.
7. An environment where employee health and wellbeing are actively supported and promoted.