The Edward Heneage Primary Academy is excited to welcome an exceptional Principal to join our vibrant, nurturing community. This is far more than a leadership position-it's a unique opportunity to shape the lives of our pupils, guide a passionate team, and make a meaningful, lasting impact on the future of education.

About our school

At Edward Heneage, we believe every child has remarkable potential. We are committed to providing the very best opportunities for our pupils to flourish both academically and socially. Our ambition is simple yet powerful: to offer a world‑class education that ensures every pupil leaves us in Year 6 with the knowledge, confidence and self-belief to thrive in the next stage of their journey.

Our dedicated and talented staff work closely with parents, governors and the David Ross Education Trust to uphold a culture of high aspiration and a shared conviction that every child can succeed. Together, we craft a curriculum that is engaging, challenging and brimming with opportunities-one that nurtures curiosity and encourages a love of learning.

Deeply rooted in our daily practice is the development of pupils' social, emotional, spiritual and moral values. These are not just ideals but lived experiences woven into every interaction and learning moment, helping our children grow into compassionate, resilient and thoughtful young people.

What the role entails

As Principal, you will step into a role where your leadership truly shapes lives. You will:

Lead with ambition-setting high expectations and inspiring excellence across the academy, ensuring every child and colleague feels supported to achieve their very best.

Shape the future-bringing to life a knowledge-rich curriculum that both challenges and excites, sparking curiosity and a love of learning from the very start.

Empower your team-fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and professional growth, where staff feel valued, motivated and proud of the work they do.

Engage the community-building warm, trusting relationships with pupils, parents and stakeholders, creating a sense of shared purpose and belonging.

Champion inclusion-ensuring every child feels seen, supported and encouraged to fulfil their unique potential.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking a compassionate and driven leader-someone who brings both expertise and heart to the role.

You'll be:

A proven leader with experience in driving school improvement or sustaining exceptional standards.

A strategic thinker who balances high aspirations with practical, thoughtful decision‑making.

An inspiring communicator, able to motivate staff, pupils and families with clarity, warmth and vision.

Deeply committed to safeguarding, equality and inclusive education for all.

Passionate about your own professional development and the growth of those around you.

You will have a strong understanding of current educational priorities and be able to demonstrate how they will shape your vision for the academy's future.

Whether you're an experienced Principal ready for a new challenge or a senior leader taking your next exciting step into headship, we'll be by your side-offering world‑class CPD, leadership development and the collective strength of a network of outstanding educators.

What we can offer you

Competitive salary: Leadership Scale 11 - 17

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Exceptional CPD and leadership development programs

Health & Wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme

Exclusive benefits platform: holiday discounts, cinema tickets, dining offers

Flexible working patterns

About our Trust

We are a network of unique and diverse academies across the country, committed to delivering a world-class, knowledge-rich education that empowers pupils to reach their fullest potential. Spanning North Yorkshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire, North-East Lincolnshire, the East Midlands and London, our network of 36 academies serves over 14,600 pupils and employs 2,300 dedicated staff.

Our family of schools includes 24 primaries, 10 secondaries, an all-through school in London's Olympic Park, and a special school in Lincolnshire supporting pupils aged 2-19 with a broad range of special educational needs. As one of only 11 system leaders nationwide, we are recognised for our unwavering commitment to educational excellence, our innovative curriculum, and ability to drive sustained school improvement at scale. At the heart of our Mission is a deep belief in the transformative power of education. We are committed to ensuring that every child - regardless of their background - has access to an exceptional academic experience enriched by extensive co-curricular opportunities. From small rural primaries to large urban secondaries, our academies benefit from the strength of a collaborative, values-driven community, in which expertise is shared, best practices are embedded, and each school retains its distinctive character.

We broaden the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best via an education that creates academically gifted, confident, well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities.

We are driven to provide our young people with access to a world-class education and enrichment experiences. Our students benefit from a wealth of opportunities to develop, learn and lead. From the classroom to cultural visits, sports, music and arts and engaging with our local communities, the rich and varied experiences we create help fuel ambition and unlock potential. The education and experiences we offer equips our young people with the leadership skills, team spirit, resilience and confidence to become outstanding citizens.

Whatever your role you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment.

We are incredibly lucky to be able to work alongside outstanding organisations and individuals who are happy to share their expertise and skills in supporting the David Ross Foundation's vision to give children better life chances through access to the best education and support we can give them.

Apply now

If you would like to hear more and have an informal discussion with one of our Regional Directors - please contact recruitment@dret.co.uk.

To complete our on-line application form, please use the 'apply now' tab.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date: Midday on Friday 20th March 2026

Provisional interview dates: w/c 23rd March 2026

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust.

All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" statutory guidance.

Edward Heneage Primary Academy

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