EMAT - Our Story At Eastern Multi-Academy Trust (EMAT), we believe that every child deserves an excellent education - and that starts with exceptional staff.
Upwell Academy Upwell Academy is a long established, community centred primary school rooted in our village, reaching for the future. Founded in 1878, our original school house still forms the heart of the building, complemented by modern developments including a new hall (2006), refurbished learning spaces, and additional Key Stage 2 classrooms that provide an excellent learning environment.
We are a caring, inclusive academy sponsored by the Eastern Multi Academy Trust, committed to valuing every child, respecting differences, and celebrating diversity. Our pupils' emotional, physical, intellectual and social development is supported through high quality teaching and a nurturing ethos.
Today we serve around 18 0 pupils aged 4-11, supported by extensive outdoor areas including a playing field and gardens that enrich learning. We are proud of our heritage and ambitious for the future - ready to welcome a Principal who will lead our academy forward while honouring the strong community spirit that defines us.
Why Join Us? At EMAT, you'll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking Trust that invests in its people and we offer all employees:
- A leadership team who listen and act on feedback.
- High-quality CPD and clear career development pathways.
- A highly trained team to support learning.
- Wellbeing support, including access to employee assistance programmes.
- Family-friendly policies and flexible working opportunities.
- Being part of a Trust that values inclusion, diversity, and collaboration.
- Winter flu and Eye test vouchers
- Peace of mind with some of the most generous pension schemes in the job market.
The Opportunity As a strategic leader of Upwell Academy, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, development and performance of the academy within the Trust.
The role as Principal is pivotal to ensuring highquality teaching, a rich and ambitious curriculum, and a positive, inclusive culture where every pupil can thrive. Our Principals uphold the highest standards of public service, role models EMAT values and ensures the academy delivers excellent education, continuous improvement, and strong community engagement.
Th is role works in partnership and close collaboration with staff, academy committee members and the wider Trust stakeholders to ensure the academy's success and that both p upils and staff can achieve their full potential.
You will provide visible and professional leadership and management that secures successful and continuous academy improvement through formulating , implementing and evaluating the impact of the agreed Ac ademy Development and Improvement plans.
About You - Lead with vision and purpose setting high expectations, driving school improvement, and ensuring the academy continually moves forward in line with Trust priorities and the Academy Development Plan.
- Champion excellent teaching and learning modelling strong educational practice, raising standards, and ensuring every child experiences a highquality, inclusive curriculum.
- Secure the wellbeing and progress of all pupils including those with additional needs or disadvantages, using data and professional insight to ensure no learner is left behind.
- Be a strategic and accountable leader effectively managing financial, human and physical resources to maintain a sustainable, highperforming academy.
- Inspire, support and develop staff building a collaborative culture where people feel valued, motivated and empowered to give their best.
- Build strong relationships beyond the school engaging positively with parents, governors, the community and external partners to strengthen the academy's role locally.
- Model safeguarding excellence placing the safety and welfare of pupils at the heart of all decisions, ensuring full adherence to policy, practice and statutory duties.
- Lead with ethics and integrity consistently demonstrating inclusive leadership and upholding the Seven Principles of Public Life.
Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities Eastern Multi-Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with Children's Barred List where applicable), satisfactory references and medical clearance.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer , committed to equity, representation and belonging. We value the diversity of our workforce and believe that different backgrounds , experiences and perspectives strengthen our schools and enrich our communities.
We actively welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups, and from candidates who are neurodiverse. If you require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments so that everyone can perform at their best.
We also welcome applications for part-time, flexible and job-share working, where this can be accommodated within the role.
How to Apply Please review the full job description and person specification and complete the application to show how you meet the essential requirements. We'd also like to hear about your relevant experience, what you can bring to the role, and your aspirations for the future.