Principal
The Promise School, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1GH11 days remaining to apply
Start date details
January to April 2025
Closing date
17 October 2025 at 1pm
Date listed
6 October 2025
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- L20-L24
Additional allowances
L20-L24
Principal job summary
The Promise School in Okehampton is ready for a new chapter — and we’re looking for a Principal with the courage, vision and compassion to lead it.
The school currently sits in special measures, but this is far from the full story. Our pupils are full of potential, our staff are committed, and our Trust is investing deeply in the support and expertise needed to secure rapid, sustainable improvement. We’re building strong foundations for success — and now we need a leader to bring it all together.
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in an all through, specialist setting for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. You’ll lead with authenticity and care, ensuring that every decision helps children feel safe, valued and able to thrive.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has a strong record of school improvement and inclusive leadership.
- Believes in the potential of every child, whatever their starting point.
- Can inspire, empower and unite a team around a shared vision for change.
- Brings resilience, optimism and the determination to turn challenge into opportunity.
In return, we offer:
- A highly supportive Trust team and professional development tailored to you.
- The chance to shape a school’s future and see your impact every single day.
- A community that believes in new beginnings.
The Promise School is part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (DMAT), which has recently undergone a significant change in leadership and direction. The Trust’s renewed culture and ethos are built on collaboration, transparency and mutual support — empowering school leaders to lead in ways that best serve their own communities. You’ll be joining a Trust that values professional autonomy, celebrates local identity, and shares a collective commitment to improving outcomes for every child across Dartmoor and Devon.
If you’re ready to lead a school where your influence will truly matter we would love to hear from you.
As an established Trust, DMAT can offer a wide range of benefits for our employees:
- Cycle to work scheme
- Tech Scheme
- Eyecare Vouchers
- Access to Discounts
- CPD opportunities
- Extensive Health & Wellbeing Package
- Long Service Days
- On site Parking - In some locations
- Excellent Training Package
- Employee Recognition Scheme
Why choose DMAT?
DMAT are an inclusive and forward-looking trust, who seek to nurture our children and employees to be the best they can be.
Please see attached Recruitment Pack for full details of this role.
Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
All schools in The Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
‘This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974.’
Your application form will be processed by My New Term who act for DMAT as a data processor- please see our Privacy Notice for more information about how we process job applicant personal data.
The successful candidate will be required to come to DMAT HQ to complete mandatory training.
Training Details:
Location: Central Head Office (Wardhayes) 8 Simmons Way, Okehampton, EX20 1PY
Purpose: To provide comprehensive training on company policies, procedures, and systems necessary for successful integration into the role.
Training Schedule: Daily sessions from 9am to 4pm, with breaks provided.
Benefits of Training Week:
To gain valuable insights into our company culture and values.
Interact with key stakeholders and team members.
Acquire essential knowledge and skills to excel in your role.
Establish a strong foundation for your career growth within Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust.
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
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.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About The Promise School
- School type
- Free School, ages 4 to 16
- School size
- 79 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Promise School website
School location
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