Principal - Full-time

Leigh UTC Dartford, Dartford

• Ref:KCC886-4012-15L
• Posted:03/02/2026
• Pay:Six Figure Salary + Performance Bonus
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:03/03/2026 at 09:00
• Interviews:Thursday 12th and Friday 13th March 2026

Advert

Leigh Academies Trust is seeking to appoint an ambitious and visionary Principal for Leigh UTC Dartford. This is a truly rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join a specialist 11-19 academy at the forefront of STEM education. We are part of a very successful, financially sound, and mature multi-academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support and a culture of deep collaboration.

We wish to hear from you if you are:

• an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at secondary level;
• a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
• confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
• able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
• approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
• a passion for working in an urban, multicultural setting;
• able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

What we can offer you:

• a six figure salary along with private healthcare and an opportunity to earn a performance bonus;
• an exciting LAT career path with opportunities for further progression in the future;
• security and support on your journey from close collaboration with a small central executive and a larger group of talented Principals to share best practice and innovation.

Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this.

On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Jo Johnson via email: jo.johnson@latrust.org.uk. Visits will be hosted by Tracey Trusler, Academies Director, or a member of the senior leadership team. Please ensure you offer Jo a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the academy.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with our Trust Academies Director, Tracey Trusler, about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Jo Johnson via email jo.johnson@latrust.org.uk in the first instance.

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Charlotte Herberts (LAT Recruitment Team) on 01634 412 245 or charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk.

Information about the school

Leigh UTC Dartford is a purpose-driven and bespoke institution offering unparalleled opportunities for all stakeholders. Rooted in traditional values of behaviour and respect, we evolve our practice to meet the changing needs of our environment, both locally and internationally. We promote authenticity and individuality while recognising that collaboration enables innovation and progress.

Our broad and balanced curriculum places a strong emphasis on STEM, with specialisms in engineering and computing. Underpinned by the International Baccalaureate philosophy, our inquiry-based approach to learning combines exceptional technical and academic education, enabling students to develop vital work-related and transferable skills. Our curriculum pathways span the IB MYP, GCSEs, A-levels, T-levels, and the IBCP, ensuring a coherent, future-focused educational journey.

Through partnerships with high-profile local and regional employers, students are introduced to real-world applications of their learning and the world of work. Within a respectful and collaborative environment, both students and staff are supported to be creative, ambitious, and reflective, fostering professional growth and preparing learners for lifelong success in STEM and beyond.

“The innovative learning environment that we provide is often the first impression, but our community remains the lasting impression”. - Kevin Watson, Principal

“Leaders, governors and the trust have high expectations of pupils’ learning. Their close monitoring of the school’s work allows them to act swiftly to make any necessary improvements. Staff feel well supported in managing their workload. They appreciate that leaders look out for their well-being”. - Ofsted 2022

“We are a community; the relationships between staff and students are highly supportive and they appreciate those who show care for them. Our colleagues support each other to be better. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.” - Melanie, Lead Practitioner - English

“The Leigh UTC is a place where I started my teaching journey. I was completely new to teaching and started my journey as a learning mentor in January 2019, and since then it has been very developmental. I have learned so much through some of the amazing people who I work with. It feels like everyone genuinely wants you to be your best at the UTC and I love that.” - Zaeem, Director of Learning - Computer Science

Job Contact Information

• Name:Talent Team, Leigh Academies Trust
• Address:Carnation Road, Strood, Kent, ME2 2SX
• Telephone: 01634 412 258
• Email: Joinus@LATrust.org.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Pack | Principal | Leigh UTC Dartford