Job Description

Academy:

Jane Austen College

Category:

Leadership

Start Date:

April 2026

Closing Date:

Wed, Jan 7, 2026

Job Weeks:

All Year Round

Hours:

32.5 hours per week

Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Job Reference:

DEC20259132

Salary: Leadership Pay Scale Points 12 - 18 (67,898 - 78,702 per annum)

Start Date: April 2026

Jane Austen College is seeking to appoint an Assistant Principal with responsibility for Teaching and Learning.


We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellence and a genuine passion for teaching and learning. The successful candidate will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils.


In this role, you will lead the development and implementation of high-quality teaching and learning across the college.

Key responsibilities include:

Overseeing whole-school professional development


Embedding effective pedagogical approaches tailored to the needs of our pupils


Supporting trainee teachers and Early Career Teachers (ECTs)



As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in evaluating and enhancing the quality of curriculum delivery and teaching through robust quality assurance processes.


This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and forward-thinking community dedicated to ensuring every pupil develops the knowledge, skills, and character needed to lead successful and fulfilling lives. We are seeking a leader who shares this vision and is committed to continuous improvement, maximising potential, and supporting pupils beyond the classroom.

Main purpose of the role:

Develop and implement a clear vision for high-quality teaching and learning across the college.


Align classroom practices with the school's improvement plan and national standards.


Lead initiatives that promote innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies.


Ensure the curriculum is broad, balanced, and meets statutory requirements.


Oversee curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment to maximise pupil progress.


Support subject leaders in designing schemes of work that reflect best practice.


Conduct lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny to evaluate teaching quality.


Design and deliver CPD programs focused on pedagogy.


Mentor and support teachers, including Early Career Teachers (ECTs).

About You

An outstanding Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning is a visionary leader and an expert in pedagogy, committed to driving excellence in classroom practice and pupil achievement. They demonstrate strategic leadership, ensuring that teaching and learning is at the heart of the school's improvement plan. Through deep curriculum knowledge, they guarantee that learning is ambitious, inclusive, and aligned with national standards.


They are a highly effective coach and mentor, inspiring teachers to refine their practice through constructive feedback, professional development, and collaborative learning.


Above all, they are passionate about education, relentlessly focused on improving outcomes for every pupil and empowering teachers to deliver exceptional learning experiences.

Essential:

An appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status


Experience at a Middle Leadership level


Deep understanding of effective teaching strategies, curriculum design, and assessment.


Ability to model and promote evidence-based practices.


Capacity to articulate and drive a clear vision for teaching and learning.


Strategic thinking to align classroom practice with school improvement priorities.


Skilled in giving constructive feedback and supporting teacher development.


Ability to inspire and motivate staff to improve practice.


Clear, confident communicator with staff, students, and parents.


Ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration


Passion for professional learning and staying current with educational research.


Promotes a culture of high expectations and innovation.

Desirable:

NPQ in Leading Teaching or Leading Teacher Development


Direct and successful experience of Ofsted inspection

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You'll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you'll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.


We offer:


Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions


Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *


Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *


Free parking at most sites


Personalised CPD and development programmes


A structured and specific induction programme.

Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Jane Austen College

opened in 2014 as a flagship free school of the Inspiration Trust, with a focus on English and Humanities. Since then, it has grown from serving just two year groups to become a full 1118 school of over 1,100 students.


In May 2024 the college was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all inspection areas, including leadership, behaviour and sixth form provision. Inspectors noted that students benefit from "exceptional academic education, excellent pastoral support and a character curriculum building life skills to see them succeed in progressing to some of the top universities in the country and into prosperous careers."


The college prides itself on ensuring that all students - regardless of background or disadvantage - have access to powerful knowledge and transformative extracurricular experiences, as well as strong mental health and wellbeing support.


We are part of the

Inspiration Trust

; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.


The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country's leading educational thinkers and practitioners.


For information on what it is like to live and work in Norwich, click here.

Next Steps

Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and , for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the "Planning your application" section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Rowan Wood, PA to Principal (rowanwood@inspirationtrust.org).


To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form.


When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Wednesday 7th January 2026

Interview date: Thursday 15th January 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.


All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.