Assistant Head of College (Assistant Principal) (Maternity Cover)
Leigh Academy Tonbridge, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2PH27 days remaining to apply
Start date details
April 2027
Closing date
23 November 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
27 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Assistant headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Subject
- English
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Fixed term - Maternity - Maternity or parental leave cover
Pay scale
- Leadership scale based on experience
What skills and experience we're looking for
Leadership Scale + Teacher Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.
We are now recruiting for the role of Assistant Head of College (Assistant Principal) for Leigh Academy Tonbridge, a truly rare leadership opportunity within a very successful and financially sound, mature and geographically local multi-academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support that encourages collaboration for success. This role is situated within the secondary phase of the academy.
The successful candidate will play a huge part in accelerating the development of the school into an outstanding provider of education. We will expect the Assistant Principal to support the further development of a positive culture and ethos where every child is expected to do well and their progress is supported every step of the way. Our successful candidate will be a talented and highly motivated leader with drive and commitment to excellence as well as strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate to a range of stakeholders. You will be joining a supportive, committed and passionate team who work hard to ensure that all of our students achieve their potential.
We are looking for an experienced professional who can demonstrate strategic leadership and excellent management, and a proven track record of success in raising standards. As a vital requirement for this role, you will be an English subject specialist who will take on line management responsibility for the English department. You will be expected to play a key role in developing the strategic vision for Leigh Academy Tonbridge even further, whilst ensuring that our students develop their potential, achieve academic excellence and develop our core values. The successful applicant will be a key member of the senior leadership team, with a specific area of whole school responsibility that will both develop and complement your existing skills and interests and will model our human scale approach to education by driving our small schools philosophy.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Vice Principal and will have management responsibilities for key subject areas. This post provides an outstanding career opportunity to be part of driving our academy forward and to play a critical role in the next phase of the academy’s development.
We wish to hear from you if you are committed to changing our education world and are:
- an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at secondary level;
- a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
- confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
- able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
- approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
- able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.
- a subject specialist in English.
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.
Note that whilst the position is offered on a maternity cover basis, every effort will be made to offer a substantive position thereafter, either at Leigh Academy Tonbridge or within the wider family of academies across Leigh Academies Trust. The central Recruitment Team will keep in touch with you throughout your contract to discuss options available to you.
What the school offers its staff
Applying for this Opportunity
Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this.
On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Becky Green (Office Manager) - becky.green@tonbridge.latrust.org.uk. Visits will be offered and will be hosted by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Please ensure you offer Becky a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the academy.
Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the SLT about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Becky Green (as above) in the first instance.
Closing date: Monday 23rd November 2026Shortlisting date: Tuesday 24th November 2026Interview date: Friday 27th November 2026Start date: April 2027
If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Amy Wenban (LAT Recruitment Team) on 01634 412 205 or amy.wenban@latrust.org.uk.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Leigh Academy Tonbridge
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- Size
- 807 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- joinus@latrust.org.uk
Arranging a visit to Leigh Academy Tonbridge
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joinus@latrust.org.uk.
School location
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