Principal

Orion Coopers, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5PS

23 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  27 August 2026

• Closing date

  12 March 2026 at 5pm

• Date listed

  13 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Competitive depending on experience
• Additional allowances:

  Competitive depending on experience

Principal job summary

Principal - Orion Coopers, Chislehurst

Competitive salary Permanent

Orion Education is seeking an exceptional leader to become the next Principal of Orion Coopers, a thriving and ambitious secondary school set within 33 acres of stunning parkland in Chislehurst. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high‑performing school at a pivotal moment of growth, shaping its next chapter and driving even greater impact for our young people.

At Orion Education, our mission is clear: improve outcomes, transform lives and enable social mobility. Our values of trust, kindness and endeavour guide everything we do - from how we lead, to how we support our staff, to how we serve our community. These values sit at the heart of Orion Coopers’ culture and underpin our commitment to academic rigour, excellent behaviour, and a safe, inspiring environment for all pupils.

As Principal, you will provide decisive, strategic leadership and hold overall accountability for the standards, direction and performance of the school. You will build on the strong foundations already in place, working with skilled and committed colleagues to deliver consistently high‑quality teaching, a rich and ambitious curriculum, and exceptional pastoral support. You will champion our high expectations, cultivate a warm and purposeful culture, and ensure that every member of the community feels known, supported and able to thrive.

This role offers unrivalled professional development through our nationally recognised approach to instructional coaching and leadership development. You will join a talented network of Principals across the Trust, benefiting from collaboration, shared practice and Trust‑wide improvement opportunities. Expectations are high - but so is the support.

We are looking for a leader with moral purpose, intellectual credibility and the ability to inspire confidence. You will bring a track record of securing excellent outcomes, sustaining high performance over time, and leading with integrity, clarity and compassion. Above all, you will share our belief in the transformative power of education.

If you are ready to lead with ambition, shape a strong school culture and make a profound difference in the lives of young people, we would be delighted to hear from you.

How to Apply
To find out more or to begin your application, please contact our recruitment partners Propelo on 01273 222 877, email orionedu@propelo.co.uk, or visit https://orionedu.our-careers.co.uk.
Closing date: Thursday 12 March 2026, 5pm
Interviews: Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 March 2026

Orion Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Orion Coopers

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1318 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Orion Coopers website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/coopers-school

School location

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