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Principal - Herne Bay High School - Full-time

Herne Bay High School, Herne Bay

  • Ref:KCC886-5448-486L
  • Posted:10/04/2026
  • Pay:L24 to L38
  • Start Date:January 2027 (Earlier start negotiable)
  • App Close Date:04/05/2026 at 15:00
  • Interviews:13th and 14th May 2026

Advert

Principal - HBHS - Vacancy

Location: Herne Bay, Kent CT6 7NS | Salary: L24 to L38 | Start: January 2027 (start date is negotiable if suitable candidate is available earlier)  

Herne Bay High School is seeking an exceptional and inspiring leader to take on the role of Principal. This is a unique opportunity to lead a thriving, inclusive 11–18 Single Academy Trust with nearly 1,550 students and over 260 staff, at the heart of its community. 

About the Role 

The Principal will provide strategic, values-driven leadership, combining operational excellence with a relational, human-centred approach.  

Key responsibilities include: 

  • Leading a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and continuous improvement  
  • Supporting staff professional growth, wellbeing, and performance  
  • Driving sustainable school improvement using data-informed strategies  
  • Ensuring a safe, secure, and compliant school environment  
  • Representing the school as an outward-facing leader, continuing the strong partnerships with families and the wider community  

Skills and Experience 

We are looking for a Principal with: 

  • Significant senior leadership experience in a secondary school setting  
  • A proven track record of whole-school improvement and raising attainment  
  • Strong commitment to inclusive education and relational leadership  
  • The ability to inspire and motivate staff, fostering a high-performing culture  
  • Experience of strategic planning, curriculum oversight, and operational management  
  • Demonstrable commitment to safeguarding and statutory compliance  

Join Us 

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a school that is deeply committed to its students, staff, and wider community. If you are a passionate, visionary, and relational leader who shares our belief in high expectations, inclusive practice, and the development of the whole child, we warmly encourage you to apply. 

Full candidate pack is attached to the advert.

How to Apply 

If you would like to visit the school, please email HR Manager: jemma.lowry@hernebayhigh.org  

Applicants should submit: 

  • The standard application form (attached to advert)
  • A supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words) explaining: 

“Why you are applying for the Principal role at Herne Bay High School, your leadership vision and how your experience aligns with the needs of our students and school community” 

*Please ensure both documents are submitted by the closing date: Monday 4th May 2026 

Applications should be emailed to HR Manager: jemma.lowry@hernebayhigh.org 

Information about the school

Our Vision and Leadership Priorities

Herne Bay High is committed to a strong moral purpose where every student can succeed. We combine high expectations with inclusive practice, fostering a safe, supportive environment and strong community partnerships. We seek a strategic, outward-facing leader who will drive sustained improvement and develop a high-performing staff team through coaching, accountability, and professional growth.

Why Herne Bay High School?

  • Lead a values-driven, inclusive school where kindness, respect, and dedication underpin everything we do

  • Shape a culture focused on high-quality teaching, student outcomes, and staff wellbeing

  • Access staff benefits including Benenden private healthcare, on-site gym, and practical workload support

  • A collaborative school at the heart of partnerships with local schools and partners across East Kent, contributing to system-wide improvement.

KEY DATES

Applications close: Monday 4th  May 2026 

Shortlisting: Tuesday 5th  May 2026 

Candidates informed: Wednesday 6th  May 2026 

Interviews: Wednesday 13th  May & Thursday 14th  May  2026

Further information can be found in the candidate pack attached, including the JD and person specification.

Safeguarding Commitment: At Herne Bay High, we are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to comprehensive child protection screening, including enhanced DBS and reference checks.

Job Contact Information

Fax: 01227 742481

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

Apply for this Role Today

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Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you have read all the relevant information and documents provided by the school. If you are ready to apply for this vacancy please click the "Apply Now" button

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.