Headteacher

Are you passionate about education and ready to make a lasting impact?

Look no further! We’re seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead Plympton Academy.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced leader who believes in our culture, values and that a cognitive-based curriculum is the vehicle to transform life chances. As the Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our academy. You will work closely with staff, parents, and the wider community to ensure that our pupils receive an outstanding education.

The Headteacher will be committed to driving the improvement journey by leading initiatives that transform teaching and learning, enhance student engagement, and elevate overall school performance. Additionally, the successful candidate will develop and implement a forward-thinking vision for the academy, fostering a culture of excellence.

‘The school has raised its expectations of pupils’ achievement and made improvements to the curriculum’ – Ofsted 2024

Plympton Academy is a mixed secondary school for students aged 11-19. We believe in inspiring a culture of success for all, including our staff. Our academy is proud to be a part of the Thinking Schools Academy trust, a family of schools all united to “transform the life chances” of all our children and young people.

What you will need to succeed:

For a full list of role responsibilities and a person specification please view the attached Job Description

• Transformational Leadership: A proven track record of leading significant school improvement.
• Aspiration Cultivation: Understand how to create a culture of aspiration and a supportive learning environment for students, enabling them to achieve their academic potential.
• High Expectations: Hold high academic expectations for all students, regardless of their prior attainment and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Community Advocacy: Be a passionate advocate for our school within the wider community.
• Emotional Intelligence: Possess high levels of emotional intelligence.
• Effective Team Leadership: Demonstrate highly developed people skills and previous experience in leading teams effectively.
• Dynamic Communication: Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Curriculum Expertise: Fully acquainted with the demands and requirements of the curriculum.

Our mission is to “transform life chances”; at The Thinking Schools Academy Trust we believe education has the power to change lives; children only have one chance to get this right. To ensure all our academies focus on our mission, school leaders translated our mission to core values that are demonstrated and evident in all our Academies:

Child First, Aspire, Challenge, Achieve

Click here to read more about our Trust

In addition, as a Trust, we will support you transform the life chances of our young people in the South West through a support structure encompassing expert knowledge from local schools and our centralised support services. Professional experts in HR, Facilities, IT, Finance and Marketing will assist the operational running of the school to give time back to Leaders and allow them to focus on education. 

What our Trust will offer you: 

• Coaching Environment: Vast support network including the CEO, Executive Team and Directors of Education to support you on your development journey;
• Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust to enhance your teaching and learning;
• Professional Development: With an outstanding Leadership and Management team within the Trust, we are focused on providing our staff with bespoke CPD;
• Central Services for Schools: The Trust employs experts in all major support services to focus on operations and infrastructure, giving time back to teachers to focus on education;
• Cutting-Edge Pedagogy: Experience an internationally accredited approach to thinking and learning, proven to elevate classroom practice;
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers;
• Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national standards;
• Chartered Teacher Recognition: As an accredited Chartered Teacher organisation, you can achieve recognition as a Chartered Teacher;
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme;
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: Be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff;
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit from our Refer a Friend Scheme.

Life in Plympton (relocation package available)

Located in the warm county Devon, Plympton is a vibrant market town with a rich history and culture:

• Architecture dating back as far as the Romans, such as the impressive St. Maurice Church;
• Plympton is a thriving hub of activities with events and festivals regularly hosted in the town;
• Affordable house prices at an average of £267,718 (source: Rightmove) which is lower than the national average £282,000 (source: gov.uk);
• Strong sense of community in a diverse mix of residents. 

Next Steps:

This excellent opportunity will allow an inspirational, and strategic individual to grasp the role with a ‘hands on’ approach to lead our school and transform the life chances of our pupils.

If you are interested in being our Principal at Plympton Academy and benefiting from a supportive network of senior leaders across our Trust, we would encourage you to apply.

To arrange an informal conversation or tour, please contact [email protected]

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email [email protected]