Vice Principal

Richmond Hill Academy is seeking an exceptional, strategic and values‑driven leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Vice Principal. This is a pivotal role within the academy, offering the opportunity to help shape school culture, drive whole‑school improvement and ensure an outstanding quality of education for every pupil. Working closely with the Principal, you will play a critical role in the continued transformation of our academy and its community.

We are looking for a colleague with the presence, credibility and deep educational understanding to support rapid, sustained improvement, while modelling the high expectations and integrity that define Richmond Hill Academy.

The GORSE Academies Trust (GORSE) is renowned for its work in transforming the life chances of children and young people from some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country. Based in the Leeds city region with 17 trust establishments including Leeds Teaching School Hub and GORSE SCITT, the trust has formed a model of excellence which is receiving national attention because of its positive impact on all pupils including those whose lives are characterised by privation. The trust has grown slowly and with great care since it was formed in 2011 and it is still the case that our schools work together in an intimate and highly productive manner.

Richmond Hill Academy stands proudly at the heart of that community of schools, at the same time celebrating and embracing the vibrant city region which it serves. The academy prides itself on every child, including those who are most disadvantaged, making progress above and beyond expectations, whatever their starting points. Professionals working within the academy know that it is only possible to achieve this through the adoption of a ‘Team around the Family’ approach; indeed, this is the commitment that Richmond Hill Academy makes to its families.

We are proud to have Rainbow Base at the core of Richmond Hill Academy. Rainbow Base is a Resource Provision for 52 children with a range of complex communication needs, including autism. The work of the Rainbow Base team is remarkable and is recognised to be of national significance.

Key aspects of the role

As Vice Principal, you will work in partnership with the Principal to provide strong, strategic leadership across all aspects of the academy. You will help drive innovation, strengthen teaching, learning and outcomes, and ensure that safeguarding, inclusion and high standards remain at the heart of academy practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading alongside the Principal to deliver the academy’s vision, culture and strategic priorities.
• Designing and developing an innovative, ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
• Driving high aspirations, exceptional teaching and strong outcomes across the school.
• Leading staff performance, development and appraisal processes.
• Deputising for the Principal when required and contributing to trust‑wide initiatives.
• Demonstrating truly inclusive practice including within Rainbow Base and EYFS.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking a leader who combines strategic thinking with genuine commitment to children’s development and wellbeing. You will be able to inspire confidence, lead change with purpose and ensure the academy remains a catalyst for social improvement within our community.

You will bring:

• QTS, a good honours degree, and a strong record of successful senior leadership.
• Proven ability to raise standards and lead meaningful organisational change.
• Excellent knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
• Strong data analysis skills and the ability to use evidence to drive improvement.
• Experience of leading high‑quality safeguarding, pastoral and behaviour systems.
• Outstanding communication, emotional intelligence and team leadership skills

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader ready to make a significant impact and to contribute at the highest level within both the academy and The GORSE Academies Trust.

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Source: UK Teaching Vacancies Service (teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.