Principal

Priestley College, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6RD

25 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  August 2026

• Closing date

  9 March 2026 at 11am

• Date listed

  9 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £122,306.00 - £141,693.00 Annually (FTE)

Principal job summary

The Challenge Academy Trust and Priestley College are seeking an exceptional leader to become the College's next Principal. With around 2,000 learners and a wide curriculum offering of over 70 A Level, T Level and vocational courses, Priestley plays a vital role in shaping the future of young people across the area.

As a proud member of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT), Priestley College is a thriving and well-established 16-19 academy located in the heart of Warrington. The College works collaboratively with local schools to drive educational excellence and improve outcomes for all young people in Warrington. Priestley is recognised for its inclusive culture, high-quality teaching, strong student motivation, and ambitious, well-planned curriculum.

This is a unique opportunity for an inspirational leader with proven senior management experience in post 16 or secondary settings and the drive to continue Priestley’s journey of excellence and innovation

As Principal, you will:

• Provide outstanding leadership and drive the College’s strategic direction in line with TCAT’s mission and values.
• Champion high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, securing continuous improvement and strong outcomes for students.
• Lead an inclusive, ambitious and student-centred culture where all learners are supported to excel.
• Build strong partnerships with local schools, employers, community organisations and regional stakeholders.
• Ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and effective governance across all aspects of the College.
• Work collaboratively with TCAT and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for students and staff alike.
• Ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and effective governance across all aspects of the College.

You will have:

• A proven track record of successful senior leadership encompassing a post-16 setting.
• The drive, resilience and integrity to lead with conviction and compassion.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and promoting high standards.
• The ability to unite and inspire staff, students, parents, and the wider community.
• A deep understanding of educational improvement, curriculum development, and effective education systems.

You can learn more about Priestley College and The Challenge Academy Trust via the links below:

• www.priestley.ac.uk
• Priestley College Prospectus
• www.tcat.uk.com

Additional information on the role, the Trust and the College is included in the applicant pack which also includes the job description and person specification for the role.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Andrew Moorcroft, TCAT CEO, via email: a.moorcroft@tcat.uk.com

Tours of the school can be arranged on request by contacting Victoria Briggs, TCAT Director of Education, via email: v.briggs@tcat.uk.com

• The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 09 March 2026.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an assessment centre, to be held on Thursday 26 March 2026.
• Following the assessment centre, candidates will be reviewed with successful candidates being invited to a formal panel interview on Friday 27 March 2026.

Terms and Benefits:

Salary: £122,306 - £141,693

Sixth Form Colleges Association Leadership terms & conditions of employment.

Eligible for membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Occupational Sick Pay Scheme (entitlements based on service.

Access to TCAT+, our Reward, Recognition and Wellbeing platform, including access to retailer discounts and benefits, car lease scheme, discounted healthcare cash plan, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme and other online resources to support physical, emotional, professional, financial and social wellbeing.

Access to a comprehensive CPD framework through ‘Education Connect’, our professional development arm, and online resources from the National College’.

An environment where employee health and wellbeing are actively supported and promoted.

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

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. Our Safeguarding Policy and our DBS and Ex-Offenders Policy (incorporating our Policy Statement on the Secure Storage, Handling, Use, Retention and Disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure Information) can be accessed on the link to our website, as given above.

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 Priestley College

• School type: Academy, ages 16 to 19
• Education phase: Sixth form or college
• School size: 0 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 16 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Priestley College website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/priestley-college

Priestley College is a founder member of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) which currently consists of 9 schools and the College, working together to deliver a cohesive education pathway from primary through to
sixth form.
We are an inclusive college with a consistent record of high achievement. We offer around 70 A-Level and Vocational courses and we are a college of several firsts.
The quality of education we provide in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths was recognised when we became the first dedicated sixth form in the country to receive STEM-assured status.
In September 2020, Priestley was chosen to be among the first tranche of colleges to provide T-Levels. In the same year our rugby academy became the first in the UK to receive ‘dual status’ as both boys and girls were
excelling.
In its most recent OFSTED report the College was praised by inspectors who said ‘teachers ensure students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their qualifications and in their working life’.
In 2021 Priestley retained its matrix accreditation after an inspection found the quality of advice and guidance it provided met the internationally-recognised standard.
There are now over 2000 students at Priestley with the latest investment a £1.5M technology centre that boasts more than 200 computers. The Crescent Building has also been extended to provide extra café and
study space whilst the Performing Arts facilities have been modernised. More than £15M has been invested in the campus since 1999 on projects including the Learning Resource Centre and an all-weather sports pitch.
Priestley’s growth in numbers has also gone hand in hand with increasing the range and scope of provision as well as significant improvements in quality.
By responding to student demand and national curriculum development, we have been able to broaden the choice by offering new curriculum lines.
Priestley is not a college that stands still. All tutors and staff constantly look for ways to improve in order to make the biggest difference to the highest number of young people.
The College’s goal will always be to inspire, challenge and support its students to ensure they reach their full potential.

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