The Board of Trustees is seeking an exceptional educational leader to join Alec Reed Academy in a newly structured leadership model. This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving, ambitious all-through Academy with over 1,600 pupils from Nursery to Post-16. Our mission is to equip every child—many from disadvantaged backgrounds—with the skills and confidence to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Our Leadership Model

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Provides strategic leadership, governance, and external representation
• Principal: Leads operational and educational delivery across all phases (Primary and Secondary), driving excellence in teaching, learning, and pupil outcomes.

As Principal, you will have autonomy for day-to-day operations while working closely with the CEO to deliver strategic priorities. You’ll lead teaching and learning across all phases, ensuring strong foundations in early years and continuity through to Post-16, while fostering an inclusive, ambitious culture.

All business services—including Finance, HR, IT, and Estates—are managed in-house, giving you immediate access to expert support. This integrated model allows you to focus on educational leadership while benefiting from strong operational partnerships that enhance efficiency and impact.

Why Now?

ARA is entering an exciting new chapter. With recent investment in facilities and leadership capacity, we are poised for rapid improvement and innovation. This is your chance to:

• Build on our Ofsted ‘Good’ rating and lead the journey to Exceptional
• Strengthen community engagement and parental partnerships
• Drive academic excellence and inclusion across all phases
• Embed sustainability and outdoor learning through our Academy Fields project
• Shape the future of an all-through school serving a diverse, vibrant community.

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record of successful senior leadership in a school setting
• Evidence of raising standards and improving outcomes for a diverse student population
• Ability to develop leadership capacity and accountability across teams
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• High levels of energy, resilience, and enthusiasm.

What we offer:

• Inner London pay despite outer London location and Teachers Pension Scheme
• An Ofsted ‘Good’ school and an exciting place to work
• A welcoming, supportive environment in West London/Ealing with committed colleagues and engaged Trustees
• Free on-site parking, subsidised meals, and family-friendly policies (including paid dependents entitlement)
• Newly refurbished state-of-the-art fitness suite, plus staff benefits such as Blue Light Card and Costco membership.

Our commitment:

Alec Reed Academy is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring every member of staff feels respected and able to give their best. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and social media screening prior to appointment.

We reserve the right to hold interviews in advance of the closing date should a favourable application be received.

Closing date for completed applications: 2nd February 2026

Interviews will be held: 9th and 10th February 2026.

ARA is committed to the protection and safety of our learners. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service and Social media check prior to commencing the role.