About This Role
Required to start: September 2026
Vice Principal
L15-L19
£73,150 - £80,655
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.
What we offer you:
As a trust, we want to ensure that professionals at every stage in their career have the opportunity to enjoy expert support and training. We are pleased to offer a generous benefits package to our team – as we work together to create a rewarding future for all including:
Membership of the teacher pension scheme.
A commitment to continued investment in our professionals, supporting every member of staff throughout their career in the trust.
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential professional advice and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
£2k Cycle to work scheme.
About us Richmond Hill Academy is a ‘good’ school with many areas of our work graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. The transformation of our school has been possible due to the remarkable skill and commitment of our staff members and the support of our whole community. Richmond Hill Academy is a school where “staff are happy and feel listened to and well trained”. As one teacher said, ‘I walk out of school happy every day.’” We are looking for people who want to join our remarkable team, be part of the next chapter of our school and work with children whose respect for one another and their community is “breath-taking”. As a school, we can offer you: Fantastic children, ready and eager to learn and grow. Supportive working environments where your talents will be valued and nurtured. Committed and passionate teams that champion the best outcomes for children. Opportunity to be at the cutting edge of educational development. If you would like to know more about our academy, please visit our website https://www.richmondhill.leeds.sch.uk/. If you would like to arrange a visit, or to discuss the role, please contact Leanne Griffiths, Deputy Chief Executive Officer/current Principal of Richmond Hill Academy in the first instance via Lisa Roberts at lisa.roberts@tgat.org.uk. If you are as excited about this role as we are, you can download the Job Description, Person Specification, and Application Form from the GORSE Academies Trust website (https://www.tgat.org.uk/jobs/), request them by email at recruitment@richmondhill.leeds.sch.uk or by telephone on 0113 487 1600. Please note if you submit an electronic application, we will not require a hard copy. CVs are not accepted.“Exceptional leadership at all levels has brought about considerable improvement for the opportunities and experiences of pupils in the school.” Ofsted, March 2022
How to Apply
Closing date:
Monday 27 April 2026 at 9am
Interview date: Friday 1 May 2026
If you are shortlisted for interview, the interview will take place in person at Richmond Hill Academy, Clark Lane, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS9 8PN. If you are unable to attend an in‑person interview, please consider whether you can make suitable arrangements to attend, as remote interviews are not routinely offered.
Our recruitment process is designed to be inclusive and accessible. We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities as defined by the Equality Act and encourage candidates to tell us about any adjustments that would support them during the process.
We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to full employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and barring service check. We promote diversity and aim to establish a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK – either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. Please note that, as a sponsor licence holder, we only provide sponsorship for teacher vacancies.