Assistant Principal

Job description / Role

Job overview

Do you have what it takes to nurture todayu2019s young people and inspire tomorrowu2019s leaders? Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to deliver inspirational leadership to school staff and young people in a disadvantaged community? If so, becoming a Star leader might just be the best career move you ever make.

About the Olive School, Preston

The Olive School, Preston is a Muslim faith-based, primary school for 4 to 11 year olds, which welcomes pupils from all faiths and none. We opened in 2016 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism.

We were graded as u2018Outstandingu2019 in all areas by Ofsted during our first inspection in June 2019. At our last inspection in December 2024, the school was commended for upholding the same high standards of academic excellence, teaching, character development and behaviour that resulted in the schoolu2019s previous u2018Outstandingu2019 rating.

We have an exemplary reputation for excellence in every aspect of school life. We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.

Who weu2019re looking for

Weu2019re looking for an exceptional Assistant Principal to help lead us on our journey of sustained excellence.

We want to hear from talented leaders looking to extend their experience, and ambitious middle leaders seeking their first senior leadership post. You will be highly motivated and passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people with the natural ability to inspire and motivate both pupils and peers.

As an outstanding teacher and leader with demonstrable leadership experience, you will make a significant contribution to the leadership and success of our school. As a Star leader, youu2019ll join the Star Academies family, a high-performing and supportive network of primary and secondary schools with some of the best leaders in education.

You will have:

• A degree-level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status.
• Experience of effective management of a high-achieving faculty.
• Experience of sustained delivery of outstanding attainment and achievement.
• A strong commitment to our STAR values.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day youu2019ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young personu2019s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Key dates

Closing date: Monday, 13 October 2025 at midnight.
Assessment centre date: Friday, 24 October 2025.
Proposed start date: Thursday, 1 January 2026.

Our commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.