Principal

Job Description

The Compass Education Trust is seeking an outstanding and visionary school leader to become the next Principal of The Billericay School, starting September 2026. This is an exciting and career-defining opportunity to lead one of Essex's most established secondary schools at a pivotal time as the Trust prepares to join the Harris Federation from September 2026. You will lead the school through the transition into the Harris Federation, ensuring stability, ambition and a clear strategic direction for students, staff, families and the wider community.

Main Areas of Responsibility

As Principal, you will need to provide the leadership and management necessary to secure high quality teaching and learning to raise standards of achievement.

The Principal's effective leadership will result in an academy where:

• There is a positive ethos that reflects the Academy's commitment to high achievement, effective teaching and learning, and good relationships
• Staff, governors and parents have confidence in the leadership and management of the Academy
• Staff and governors recognise their accountability for their tasks and contribute fully to the development and successful implementation of policies and practices
• The life of the Academy and the curriculum effectively promote students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare them for adult life
• Effectiveness is kept under rigorous review, and links with the wider community contribute to students' attainment and personal development
• Efficient and effective use is made of staff, accommodation and resources
• Delegated responsibilities to ensuring that finance and administration are effective, and the carefully costed development plan is focused on improving educational outcomes

Qualifications & Experience

We are seeking an inspiring, knowledgeable and resilient leader with:

• A proven track record of raising attainment and improving educational outcomes
• Significant senior leadership experience, ideally as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher
• Deep understanding of curriculum, assessment, and school improvement strategies
• Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate students, staff and parents
• A commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and high expectations for all pupils
• Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, Further relevant professional studies
• Relevant Further Degree or NPQH
• Leadership in curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies

From September 2026, the Compass Education Trust will formally join the Harris Federation, one of the country's leading multi-academy trusts. The successful postholder will therefore join and be employed under the Harris Federation, gaining access to world-class leadership development, a nationally recognised school improvement model, and unrivalled opportunities for progression across a large and high-performing federation of academies.

The Compass Education Trust, Harris Federation and their academies are committed to ensure the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Information about the School

CARING ABOUT SUCCESS

Our School offers: • Proven standards of academic excellence • Outstanding educational resources • A commitment to student care and discipline • A vibrant and successful Sixth Form • Enrichment through an extensive and diverse extra-curricular programme

We expect from all our students: • A commitment to hard work and success • Self-reliance and a sense of responsibility • Respect and tolerance for others

The most important resource in any school is its staff. The success of The Billericay School is largely due to our committed, experienced and enthusiastic staff. Our concentration on teaching and learning produces excellent exam results and an orderly atmosphere. The school is committed to high standards in the professional development of its staff and we aim to develop all our employees professionally to improve educational standards, maintain high morale and assist in recruitment and retention.

Our Governing body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The successful applicant will be offered a position subject to full pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory medical checks and 2 satisfactory references.

About the Trust

We are a small Multi Academy Trust based in the South-East of Essex and currently manage four local secondary schools. Each school within our Trust is a place where we believe in the power of education to transform lives.

Our philosophy is centred around the belief that schools can achieve better educational outcomes for students by working together as a collective entity. The Compass Trust is founded on the principles of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, with the aim of providing a supportive and nurturing environment that enables schools to flourish and students to succeed.

Additional Benefits

As a valued member of our team, you will be entitled to the following benefits (*Subject to eligibility criteria)

• Employer Pension Contribution • Access to the “Cycle to Work” scheme • Eye test vouchers in partnership with Specsavers • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (includes confidential counselling and online discounts) • Virtual GP Access - including minors 16 and under • Annual onsite flu vaccination programme • Free tea and coffee provided daily and cake on Fridays • Discounted Tastecard subscription

We encourage visits from prospective candidates to meet members of our school community and to experience our school at first hand. If you would like to do this, please contact Miss D Ancient, PA to the Headteacher, on 01277 655191 or via email to dancient@billericayschool.com

We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Thank you for your interest in our school and we look forward to hearing from you. More information can be found on our school website: www.billericayschool.com