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Head of College (Vice Principal) - Full-time

Leigh Academy Rainham, Gillingham

  • Ref:MED105-1002-367L
  • Posted:19/02/2026
  • Pay:Highly competitive plus performance bonus
  • Start Date:September 2026
  • App Close Date:19/03/2026 at 23:45
  • Interviews:Wednesday 25th March 2026

Advert

We are now recruiting for the role of Head of College (Vice Principal) for Leigh Academy Rainham; a truly exciting leadership opportunity within a very successful and financially sound, mature and geographically local multi-academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support that encourages collaboration for success.

Our successful candidate will be talented and a highly motivated leader with drive and commitment to excellence as well as strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate to a range of stakeholders. You will be joining a supportive, committed and passionate team who work hard to ensure that all of our students achieve their potential. We are looking for an experienced professional who can demonstrate strategic leadership and excellent management, and a proven track record of success in raising standards.

We wish to hear from you if you are committed to changing our education world and are:

  • an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious leader with a successful track record 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;
  • able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.

On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Stella Poulter (Office Manager) - stella.poulter@rainham.latrust.org.uk. Visits will be offered and will be hosted by the Principal, Alex Cramlington. Please ensure you offer Stella 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 the Principal about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Stella Poulter (as above) in the first instance.

Closing date: Thursday 19th March 2026 (midnight)
Shortlisting date: Friday 20th March 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 25th March 2026

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Holly Neve (Talent Manager) on 01634 412 263 or holly.neve@latrust.org.uk.

Information about the school

Opened in September 2021 with 180 founding students, our co-educational comprehensive school for 11–18-year-olds is already oversubscribed and positioned to become a beacon of excellence in Medway. We place each student’s wellbeing and success at the centre of all we do, fostering a belief in their limitless potential. Through a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum, we offer a personalised and challenging education for every learner, regardless of background or starting point. Our aim is to develop inquiring, compassionate, and culturally aware young adults, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and values to thrive personally, contribute to their community, and lead in tomorrow’s world.

Our strong learning community works together and shares the value of collaboration; every member of our academy family works together to achieve success, cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Our belief in human-scale education, delivered through our college model, ensures every one of our students is known and valued. Strong pastoral care is at the heart of our academy and we place great importance on building strong partnerships with parents and carers.

Working in a brand new school is a unique opportunity. A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is required, as is drive, grit and boundless enthusiasm. We will be looking to recruit a staff body that has a multitude of talents to enable us to provide a rich academic and co-curricular offer from the outset and look forward to hearing what additional skills, talents and interests you could bring to a role at the Academy. A sense of humour is also essential!

"As a Rainham community member who was born, raised and educated in the local area, I am both passionately and personally invested in ensuring Leigh Academy Rainham plays an instrumental role in shaping the future lives of our young people and transforming the local community". - Alex Cramlington, Principal

"During lessons, attentive pupils focus extremely well. They show tenacity and maturity in their learning. Pupils appreciate their teachers, understanding that calm, quiet classrooms help them to learn best." - Ofsted, 2024

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.

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.