Job description
We are looking for an experienced, ambitious and values-driven educational leader to become our next Principal. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team, shape the future direction of the school, and make a lasting difference to the lives of learners with autism and complex needs. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, driving high standards across education, safeguarding, staff development, and school improvement while championing an inclusive culture where every learner can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership to drive outstanding outcomes for learners and continuous school improvement.
- Lead and develop a high-performing staff team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and professional growth.
- Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and SEND provision across the school.
- Oversee the effective management of resources, staffing and budgets to deliver sustainable success.
- Build strong relationships with families, governors, external agencies and Trust leaders to support positive outcomes for learners.
Key Requirements
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and substantial senior leadership experience within education.
- Proven experience of leading improvement and raising outcomes for learners with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, SEND legislation and inclusive educational practice.
- Demonstrable ability to lead, motivate and develop staff while maintaining high expectations and standards.
- Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships.
Applications are handled on Teaching Vacancies (GOV.UK).
About this school
Addington Valley Academy
Free schools special · Ages 2–19
- Pupils
- 132
- Avg teacher salary
- £46,102
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 7.3:1
- Academy trust
- ORCHARD HILL COLLEGE ACADEMY TRUST
Average (mean) teacher salary · DfE School Workforce Census 2024/25
View full school profileOfsted rating key
Not rated= no current Ofsted judgement — typically a new school, a recently-converted academy not yet inspected, or a school type Ofsted doesn’t grade.
Location
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Croydon, Croydon, CR0 9AZ
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- Contract
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- Working pattern
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- Posted
- 9 October 2026
- Closing date
- 1 November 2026
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