Vice Principal

Staffordshire University Academy, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS12 4JH

12 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  4 January 2027

• Closing date

  28 September 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  16 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Deputy headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time: 32.5 hours, Monday to Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: Between £82,654 and £91,158

What skills and experience we're looking for

Why here, why now?

Staffordshire University Academy are looking to recruit an experienced senior leader to the post of Vice Principal: Behaviour and Inclusion to work alongside our Vice Principal: Quality of Education. With increasing student numbers, we are looking for the right candidate to join our expanding staff team and help continue our drive to be a truly great academy. You will oversee a strong pastoral team which is arranged in key stages, and set the culture, vision and high expectations for all. We would welcome applications from colleagues who have a track record of impact in leading high-performing pastoral teams in a range of contexts.

About the role:

• Provide strategic leadership across the academy, working alongside the Principal, Vice Principal and Senior Leadership Team to shape and embed the academy’s vision, values and culture.
• Lead the academy’s behaviour, attendance and pastoral strategy, maintaining high expectations and a culture of support, respect, belonging and achievement for all students aged 11–19.
• Provide strategic oversight of safeguarding, inclusion and student welfare, working closely with the DSL, Inclusion and Pastoral Teams and relevant external agencies.
• Drive improvements in student attendance, behaviour, attainment and progress, including oversight of alternative provision, suspensions, exclusions, admissions, managed moves and appropriate interventions.
• Lead and develop the academy’s Behaviour for Learning, rewards and student motivation strategies, ensuring consistent routines, expectations and positive recognition across the academy.
• Provide strategic leadership of the wider pastoral and personal development agenda, including student leadership, CHARACTER Education, SMSC/RSE/PSHE, CEIAG, aspirations and destinations.
• Lead, develop and hold colleagues to account through effective line management, appraisal, coaching and supportive challenge, while building leadership capacity at all levels.
• Support the strategic leadership of Quality of Education, modelling highly effective classroom practice and contributing to robust quality assurance, coaching and the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.
• Strengthen parental, community and stakeholder engagement, developing effective partnerships and supporting high-profile academy events, transition activities and links with further and higher education.
• Play a highly visible and active role in Team SUA, contributing to teaching, assemblies, duties, staff and student wellbeing, professional development and the wider life of the academy.

What we’re looking for:

• A highly professional and positive role model who consistently demonstrates the values, standards and expectations of the academy.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, with a willingness to engage fully in training and the academy’s CPD programme.
• The ability to work to high professional and ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, integrity and appropriate professional boundaries.
• A strong commitment to academy policies, procedures and safeguarding responsibilities, with the confidence to raise concerns appropriately.
• A reliable and professional approach, demonstrating excellent standards of attendance, punctuality, presentation and conduct.
• A flexible and adaptable attitude, with a willingness to contribute to the wider life of the academy both within and beyond the normal academy day.

What the school offers its staff

Why join Staffordshire University Academy?

• Be part of Team SUA – a welcoming, ambitious, and supportive community where colleagues work together to make a genuine difference for young people.
• Make an impact – play a key role in shaping the future of the academy and improving the experiences and outcomes of our students.
• Grow as a leader – benefit from high-quality professional development, leadership opportunities and a strong commitment to developing our people.
• Join a culture of high expectations – work in an academy that is committed to excellent teaching, strong relationships and ensuring every student can succeed.
• Work in a collaborative environment – join colleagues who share best practice, support one another and are committed to continuous improvement.
• Feel valued and supported – benefit from our Team SUA wellbeing offer and a culture that recognises the importance of staff wellbeing, development, and success.

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 job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

SUAT Recruitment Monitoring Form.docx - 62.4 KB (opens in new tab)

SUAT-Application-Guidance-Notes.pdf - 455 KB (opens in new tab)

Advert and Job Description.pdf - 596 KB (opens in new tab)

About Staffordshire University Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 709 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Staffordshire University Academy website
• Email address: vacancies@suacademy.co.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/staffordshire-university-academy

Staffordshire University Academy is a thriving secondary school serving students aged 11–18 in Staffordshire. We are committed to providing an ambitious, inclusive education that enables every student to achieve their full potential.


Our school is characterised by high expectations, strong relationships, and a culture of respect and aspiration. We are proud of our broad and engaging curriculum, excellent pastoral care, and commitment to supporting the personal development of all students.


We place great importance on staff wellbeing and professional development. We offer a comprehensive programme of training, coaching, and career progression opportunities, including dedicated support for Early Career Teachers through a structured induction programme and access to high-quality mentoring.


We are looking for colleagues who share our commitment to excellence and who are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of young people.

Arranging a visit to Staffordshire University Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email vacancies@suacademy.co.uk.

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