Principal
Leigh UTC Dartford, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5TF28 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
3 March 2026 at 9am
Date listed
3 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Six Figure Salary + Performance Bonus + Private Healthcare
What skills and experience we're looking for
Leigh Academies Trust is seeking to appoint an ambitious and visionary Principal for Leigh UTC Dartford. This is a truly rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join a specialist 11-19 academy at the forefront of STEM education. We are part of a very successful, financially sound, and mature multi-academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support and a culture of deep collaboration.
We are looking for a leader who is ambitious for the children of Dartford - someone dedicated to developing STEM professionals for the future global market and providing a bright, prosperous future for our students and their families.
You will be an exceptional senior leader with a proven track record of success at secondary level and a genuine passion for STEM education. You will possess the drive to further develop a positive culture where every student is treated as a young professional and their progress is supported every step of the way.
We wish to hear from you if you 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;
- a passion for working in an urban, multicultural setting;
- able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.
What the school offers its staff
What we can offer you:
- a six figure salary along with private healthcare and an opportunity to earn a performance bonus;
- an exciting LAT career path with opportunities for further progression in the future;
- security and support on your journey from close collaboration with a small central executive and a larger group of talented Principals to share best practice and innovation.
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack, 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.
Further information about the job
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 Jo Johnson via email: jo.johnson@latrust.org.uk. Visits will be hosted by Tracey Trusler, Academies Director, or a member of the senior leadership team. Please ensure you offer Jo 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 our Trust Academies Director, Tracey Trusler, about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Jo Johnson via email jo.johnson@latrust.org.uk in the first instance.
Closing date: Tuesday 3rd March 2026 (9am)
Shortlisting date:Tuesday 3rd March 2026 (PM)
Interview date: Thursday 12th and Friday 13th March 2026
If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Charlotte Herberts (LAT Recruitment Team) on 01634 412 245 or charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk.
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 UTC Dartford
- School type
- Free School, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 689 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Leigh UTC Dartford website
- Email address
- joinus@latrust.org.uk
Arranging a visit to Leigh UTC Dartford
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joinus@latrust.org.uk.
School location
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