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Vice Principal - Full-time

Leigh Academy Paddock Wood, Tonbridge

  • Ref:KCC886-2127-161L
  • Posted:05/06/2026
  • Pay:Highly competitive plus performance bonus
  • Start Date: January 2027 or earlier
  • App Close Date:26/06/2026 at 12:00
  • Interviews:Monday 6th July

Advert

Highly Competitive + Performance Bonus + Private Healthcare + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

Leigh Academy Paddock Wood has an exceptional opportunity for a committed, enthusiastic and passionate Vice Principal to join us from January 2027 or earlier. Joining us will enable you to work with like-minded colleagues who share your goals and ambitions. You will be part of a team that provides outstanding educational opportunities for all of our pupils through creative, carefully sequenced and highly effective lines of inquiry where all learners are at the very core of driving our curriculum.

This position offers a unique leadership opportunity for those who are inspired to positively impact upon children’s life chances and potential. As part of this position there will be the expectation that you will cover classes to provide release time or provide some teaching to a consistent class. You will support the Principal with the strategic direction of the academy and act in a delegated capacity in their absence.

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 primary 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.

 
 

Applying for this Opportunity

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 Maria Wakeford (Office Manager) -maria.wakeford@paddockwood.latrust.org.uk. Visits will be offered and will be hosted by the Principal, Thomas Moore. Please ensure you offer Maria 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 Maria Wakeford (as above) in the first instance.

Closing date: Friday 26th June 2026 (12 noon)
Shortlisting date: Friday 26th June 2026
Interview date: Monday 6th July 2026


If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Amy Wenban (Recruitment Advisor) on 01634 412 205 or amy.wenban@latrust.org.uk.

Information about the school

We are a thriving and engaging three-form entry school in the heart of West Kent in the town of Paddock Wood. Our ethos encapsulates exceptionally high standards and expectations, excellent learning and teaching, and the positive wellbeing of our pupils and colleagues. We have an ambitious and committed teaching team which is widely respected and supported by our academy community. Our teachers vary in experience from Newly Qualified to 20+ years in the profession, and each practitioner contributes valuable expertise, enthusiasm and a passion to learn and grow together. Our staff and the wider Trust team has a lot to offer new colleagues, in terms of sharing experience and opportunities, and professional development and training.

Our broad International Baccalaureate curriculum is supported by specialist teachers of French and PE. In our journey with us all of our pupils learn French, whilst engaging in a range of other subjects in French and leave us conversant in the language. Pupils leave us with a strong understanding and appreciation of music, sporting skills and outdoor learning in our designated Forest School. We embed independence, stamina and considered risk into children’s learning. We have our own school minibuses and we very frequently take children out into the local area and into central London. We have a strong regard for extra-curricular learning and a healthy catalogue of sporting and other successes and awards. Children enjoy the opportunity to partake in our thriving Performing Arts Club who take to the stage to perform several times a year!

Our academy benefits from significant parent and community support, but we are not complacent - we are committed, hard-working and welcoming. We are proud of our principled, balanced and ambitious learners who value working together and celebrating successes together.

‘Our highly ambitious community builds thinking learners, who act with agency and create lasting memories.’

We want to welcome ambitious practitioners who have the vision, drive and skill set to provide the very best conditions to learn and grow.

Mr Thomas Moore Principal

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.