An amazing opportunity is available to join Tiffield Academy as Assistant Principal. Tiffield Academy, an all-through special free school for pupils with Communication and Interaction needs and severe learning difficulties (SLD) opened its doors in September 2025 in a purpose-built new building. You could be joining an incredible team and being an integral part of the exciting development of our school. You will drive high quality practice and be responsible for safeguarding (as Designated Safeguarding Lead), attendance and the pastoral support across our Academy. The role will continue to develop over time as our school grows in the future.

We’re looking for an exceptional leader who:

· is excited about providing the very best education for pupils with complex special educational needs and has significant experience of working with autistic learners

· is passionate about ensuring the pupil experience focuses on what’s really important and to make progress as an individual

· has a thorough and contextual knowledge of safeguarding and can create a culture where all pupils feel safe and heard

· can fulfil all aspects of the Designated Safeguarding Lead role

· is able to proactively work with pupils and families to build a culture which removes barriers and supports learners into school

· can lead the transition of new pupils into the school and ensure this process meets the needs of learners and their families

· has experience of leading the EHCP process and a thorough understanding of the Code of Practice

· is able to inspire leaders, teachers and support staff to use a range of evidence-based strategies and is committed to the ethos that all behaviour is a form of communication

· is able to collaborate with the team of professionals working around the pupils and engage with stakeholders including therapists, the Local Authority and care workers

· can contribute to the vision, organisation and academy improvement to ensure a high level of performance across the Academy

· has an effective leadership style that encourages innovation and confidence and builds a positive culture amongst staff

· can build positive relationships with staff, pupils and families alike

· is able to demonstrate the values that underpin our approach to supporting pupils: to be kind, curious and ambitious 

About us:

Tiffield Academy is the newest addition to the special academy portfolio within the very successful Greenwood Academies Trust. The academy opened its doors in September 2025, welcoming up to 140 students in its first year and growing to 230 pupils over subsequent years.

The purpose-built new building has been designed with the pupils’ needs at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts with good sized classrooms, quiet spaces for group work, calming spaces as well as sensory rooms. There are dedicated rooms for Food Technology, Art and Science as well as workspaces for staff. Thought has been put into the exterior design too, including an outdoor games area, sensory garden and horticulture area.

Joining a successful multi-academy trust, you can expect comprehensive CPD and a future that could take you anywhere. You will have specific support from the Greenwood Academies Trust network of experts, working to a Special Academy Improvement, Support and Quality Assurance framework and will have access to a range of informal support and professional development. We believe in looking after the people who make a huge difference to our children, their families and the communities we serve.

In return we have multiple benefits for our talented and highly valued people:

Alongside nationally agreed terms and conditions, we offer a generous benefits package. Here's a selection of what's on offer to our people in recognition of the huge difference they make to our children, their families and the communities we serve.

• A comprehensive package of benefits via our benefits marketplace
• A free digital wellbeing companion for all colleagues
• A free, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - confidential & compassionate support when you need it
• Train & qualify as a Mental Health First Aider. We aim to have a qualified Mental Health First Aider in each academy
• Supporting your professional development through CPD, Apprenticeships, Upskilling and Professional Review
• Generous public sector pension schemes for everyone
• Eye tests & Spectacles Discount
• Family friendly policies and time off for dependants
• Dedicated ECT support programme
• Access to savings in childcare costs
• Generous annual leave allocation
• Automatic pay progression
• Free parking on all sites
• Principles on workload & directed time for teaching staff
• Professional Supervision for Academy Leaders

If this post attracts sufficient interest before the closing date, we may decide to close and interview this vacancy at an earlier date, so an early application is advised.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All posts will be subject to receipt of satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure, medical and reference checks.  All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education”.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.