Salary: Leadership L11-15 (£66,368-£73,105)

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and enthusiastic Assistant Principal to join our new school, which opened in September 2023. This is a unique opportunity to play a key part in developing and expanding our pastoral systems so that all students feel happy, motivated and successful.

We have Year 7, 8 and 9 (with a one class cohort of Year 10) in our intake this year but will eventually grow to a school of 1500 students, including a 6^th form of 300 students. The ideal candidate should be motivated, flexible and an innovative and inspiring leader; someone with vision and an unshakeable passion for supporting students’ needs and developing a love and passion for learning in young people.

This position is due to the expansion of our senior team, to meet the growing student population. A vital aspect of the role is to ensure that our systems are appropriate and effective, as we move from being a ‘small’ school to a larger one. If successful, you will become the day-to-day operational lead for ensuring good behaviour, appropriate rewards and effective safeguarding. You will also become part of a small but perfectly formed SLT of four people: myself as Principal, Esther our VP and Hallam as AP (data and achievement). To work in a small, extremely supportive, SLT is a great opportunity for you to grow as a senior leader, but also to have a massive impact and implement strategies that have immediate and meaningful effect.

The successful candidate will have an uncompromising commitment to student achievement with a mind-set that all young people can experience success. Weldon Village Academy is a school where every member of staff makes a profound difference to the life chances of young people and you will have the rare opportunity to build something incredible.

Weldon Village Academy is at the heart of the community and a school where every child is known, valued and supported, values intrinsic to Meridian Trust Schools.

The Opportunity:

• A brand new state of the art school that will steadily grow year on year
• A post with the potential for future progression both within this role and the wider trust
• The support of the wider trust network of experts and access to informal and formal professional development
• A school with a passionate commitment to staff development
• Staff social activities that include staff wellbeing activities

Benefits of working for us:

As a multi-academy trust of 35 schools, Meridian Trust can provide a wide network of opportunities for collaboration and career development for both teaching and support staff. With an initial teaching training facility and a teaching hub network within our Trust, there are ample opportunities to both, get into teaching, and develop within the profession.

As well as the above we also offer:

• Unlimited access to CPD via Meridian Learning
• Free annual eye tests
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme, offering mental health and wellbeing support
• Unlimited value cycle to work scheme

To see the full range of benefits available, please visit Employee Benefits - Meridian Trust

We are situated on the outskirts of the village of Weldon, approximately 2.5 miles from Corby town centre, in the new housing estate that is still under construction. Weldon Village Academy will grow year by year, from an initial intake of 120 Year 7s in September 2023, until eventually reaching its full capacity of 1500, including a 6^th form of 300 students.

Meridian Trust is a successful multi-academy trust founded on its commitment to people and communities.

Our proven approach over more than a decade has elevated us to a respected and admired academy trust, a national leader in education and a source of great pride to the communities we serve. The Trust currently operates 30 schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and has forged strong links within all these communities. We are committed to high quality professional development and career opportunities for all staff. To find out more about the Trust, please visit: www.meridiantrust.co.uk

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications is: 9am Monday 19^th January 2026

Interview to take place on: W/C 26^th January 2026

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

If you would like to join an Academy at the beginning of a unique and exciting journey, we would welcome your application.

For further details or an informal chat please contact recruitment@weldonva.org.

Please note that we do not accept CV’s - any received will not be taken into consideration during the shortlisting process.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.