Salary: Competitive - to be negotiated with successful candidate depending on experience and skills and reflecting the size of the school
About us
A ‘once in a career’ opportunity is available to lead the brand new Tiffield Academy as its inaugural Principal. Tiffield Academy, an all-through special free school for young people with autism and severe learning difficulties will open its doors in September 2025 in a purpose-built new building and you could be the driving force for its success.
We’re looking for an exceptional leader who:
- is excited about providing the very best education for students with complex special educational needs and has significant experience of working with students with autism
- is passionate about developing an aspirational curriculum which is adapted to the needs of individuals and focuses on what’s really important
- is able to inspire leaders, teachers and support staff to be the best they can be and is committed to supporting the professional development of their team
- is able to lead the team of professionals working around the students and engage with stakeholders including therapists, the Local Authority and care workers
- has the vision, organisation and proven track record in school 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 parents alike
- is able to demonstrate the values that underpin our approach to supporting students
About us:
Tiffield Academy will be the newest addition to the special academy portfolio within the very successful Greenwood Academies Trust. The academy will open its doors in September 2025 welcoming up to 140 students in its first year and growing to 230 students over subsequent years.
The purpose-built new building has been designed with the students’ needs at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts with good sized classrooms, quiet spaces for group work and calming spaces as well as sensory rooms. There will be dedicated rooms for Food Technology, Art and Science as well as workspaces for staff.
Thought has been put into the exterior design too, including a Multi Use Games Area, sensory garden and horticulture area planned.
Joining a successful multi-academy trust, you can expect comprehensive CPD and a future that could take you anywhere, including into strategic leadership of multiple schools. 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. Along the way, you’ll enjoy some remarkable rewards including Perkbox and employee assistance programme.
If you’re ready to take on a new challenge, it’s time to apply.
We are hoping for a start date of January 2025, depending on the successful candidate’s current position, in recognition of the curriculum development, recruitment and student consultation work required before the academy opens.
Discussions about the role are encouraged, and visits to the special academies within the trust are also possible. If you would like further information, to arrange a visit, or an informal phone / Teams call please contact the Education Director, Sarah Martin (sarah.martin@greenwoodacademies.org).