Principal

The Compass Education Trust is seeking an outstanding and visionary school leader to become the next Principal of The Billericay School, starting September 2026. This is an exciting and career-defining opportunity to lead one of Essex’s most established secondary schools at a pivotal time as the Trust prepares to join the Harris Federation from September 2026. You will lead the school through the transition into the Harris Federation, ensuring stability, ambition and a clear strategic direction for students, staff, families and the wider community.

Main Areas of Responsibility

As Principal, you will need to provide the leadership and management necessary to secure high quality teaching and learning to raise standards of achievement.

The Principal's effective leadership will result in an academy where:

• There is a positive ethos that reflects the Academy's commitment to high achievement, effective teaching and learning, and good relationships
• Staff, governors and parents have confidence in the leadership and management of the Academy
• Staff and governors recognise their accountability for their tasks and contribute fully to the development and successful implementation of policies and practices
• The life of the Academy and the curriculum effectively promote students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare them for adult life
• Effectiveness is kept under rigorous review, and links with the wider community contribute to students' attainment and personal development
• Efficient and effective use is made of staff, accommodation and resources
• Delegated responsibilities to ensuring that finance and administration are effective, and the carefully costed development plan is focused on improving educational outcomes

Qualifications & Experience

We are seeking an inspiring, knowledgeable and resilient leader with:

• A proven track record of raising attainment and improving educational outcomes
• Significant senior leadership experience, ideally as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher
• Deep understanding of curriculum, assessment, and school improvement strategies
• Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate students, staff and parents
• A commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and high expectations for all pupils
• Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, Further relevant professional studies
• Relevant Further Degree or NPQH
• Leadership in curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies

From September 2026, the Compass Education Trust will formally join the Harris Federation, one of the country's leading multi-academy trusts. The successful postholder will therefore join and be employed under the Harris Federation, gaining access to world-class leadership development, a nationally recognised school improvement model, and unrivalled opportunities for progression across a large and high-performing federation of academies.

The Compass Education Trust, Harris Federation and their academies are committed to ensure the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.