The Richmond Primary Academy is seeking an exceptional Principal to join our vibrant community. This is more than a leadership role - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of education and leave a lasting legacy.

Why Richmond?

At Richmond, we believe education should ignite curiosity, nurture character, and empower every child to achieve excellence.  As part of the David Ross Education Trust, we offer unparalleled enrichment opportunities - from world-class music and arts programs to nationally recognized sporting experiences—creating confident, well-rounded learners.

We believe in challenging minds, nurturing character, and fostering a lifelong love of learning.  Our school is at an exciting point in its journey, ready for a visionary leader to take us to the next level.  If you’re passionate about transforming lives and driving exceptional outcomes, this is your moment.

What the role entails

As Principal, you will:

·        Lead with ambition—set high expectations and inspire excellence across the academy.

·        Shape the future—deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum that challenges and excites.

·        Empower your team—foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

·        Engage the community—build strong relationships with pupils, parents, and stakeholders.

·        Champion inclusion—ensure every child feels supported and challenged to reach their full potential.

Who we’re looking for

·        A proven leader with a track record of driving rapid school improvement or sustaining exceptional standards.

·        A strategic thinker with strong resource and people management skills.

·        An inspiring communicator who can motivate staff, pupils, and families.

·        Committed to safeguarding, equality, and inclusive education.

·        Passionate about your own professional development and that of your team.

You will have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of current educational priorities and be able to demonstrate how these will influence your vision for the school moving forwards. 

Whether you’re an experienced Principal seeking a new challenge or a senior leader ready for your first headship, we’ll support you every step of the way with world-class CPD, leadership development, and access to a network of outstanding educators.

What we can offer you

·        Competitive salary: Leadership Scale 17–22

·        Teachers’ Pension Scheme

·        Exceptional CPD and leadership development programs

·        Health & Wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme

·        Exclusive benefits platform: holiday discounts, cinema tickets, dining offers

·        Flexible working patterns

 About our Trust

We are a network of unique and diverse academies across the country, committed to delivering a world-class, knowledge-rich education that empowers pupils to reach their fullest potential.  Spanning North Yorkshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire, North-East Lincolnshire, the East Midlands and London, our network of 36 academies serves over 14,600 pupils and employs 2,300 dedicated staff.

Our family of schools includes 24 primaries, 10 secondaries, an all-through school in London’s Olympic Park, and a special school in Lincolnshire supporting pupils aged 2–19 with a broad range of special educational needs.  As one of only 11 system leaders nationwide, we are recognised for our unwavering commitment to educational excellence, our innovative curriculum, and ability to drive sustained school improvement at scale.  At the heart of our Mission is a deep belief in the transformative power of education.  We are committed to ensuring that every child – regardless of their background – has access to an exceptional academic experience enriched by extensive co-curricular opportunities.  From small rural primaries to large urban secondaries, our academies benefit from the strength of a collaborative, values-driven community, in which expertise is shared, best practices are embedded, and each school retains its distinctive character.

We broaden the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best via an education that creates academically gifted, confident, well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities. 

We are driven to provide our young people with access to a world-class education and enrichment experiences. Our students benefit from a wealth of opportunities to develop, learn and lead.  From the classroom to cultural visits, sports, music and arts and engaging with our local communities, the rich and varied experiences we create help fuel ambition and unlock potential. The education and experiences we offer equips our young people with the leadership skills, team spirit, resilience and confidence to become outstanding citizens.

Whatever your role you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment.

We are incredibly lucky to be able to work alongside outstanding organisations and individuals who are happy to share their expertise and skills in supporting the David Ross Foundation's vision to give children better life chances through access to the best education and support we can give them.

Apply now 

 If you would like to hear more and have an informal discussion with one of our Regional Directors – please contact recruitment@dret.co.uk.  

 To complete our on-line application form, please use the ‘apply now’ tab. 

 We look forward to hearing from you. 

 Closing date: 23:59 Wednesday 4^th February 2026

Provisional date for interviews: 9^th and 10^th February 2026.  (Successful candidates from Day 1 will be invited to Day 2).

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.  

It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics. 

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust. 

All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" statutory guidance.