About this role
Are you an ambitious and inspiring school leader ready to make a lasting difference? Ryhall Church of England Academy is looking for an exceptional Principal to lead its thriving school community from January.
This is a distinctive opportunity to build on strong foundations, shape the next chapter of a values-led school and create the conditions in which every child and every adult can flourish.
As Principal, you will bring vision, energy and confident leadership to a school with a committed staff team, strong community relationships and high aspirations for its pupils. You will inspire others, champion excellent and inclusive education, and work in close partnership with families, the Trust and the wider community to ensure that every pupil is known, supported and empowered to succeed.
Ryhall Church of England Academy sits at the heart of the beautiful village of Ryhall. Its excellent facilities include extensive outdoor space, a wildlife garden with a birdwatching observatory and minibeast hotels, a reflection area, trim trail, games pitch, outdoor stage and vegetable gardens.
The school combines high expectations with a curriculum that nurtures the whole child—emotionally, intellectually, physically, academically and spiritually. Its ambition is for children to look back with pride and move forward with confidence. A highly professional staff team works collaboratively with families, the Trust and the wider community to create memorable, lifelong learning experiences.
Ryhall is small enough for staff to know every pupil well, while offering children opportunities to take part in larger events that build confidence and character.
The Trust is looking to recruit someone who:
Has recent, successful senior leadership experience and is ready to take the next step in their leadership careerIs an excellent communicator who can strengthen successful partnerships with families, staff, school forums and the wider communityEnsures that children feel safe, happy and ready to learnIs an outstanding practitioner with excellent pedagogical knowledge and the ability to coach, guide and mentor colleaguesChampions inclusion and understands how to make it a reality for every childHas strong curriculum knowledge, high expectations and a clear understanding of how to secure excellent learning and outcomesUnderstands and is committed to pupils’ pastoral needs and positive behaviourWorks effectively, flexibly and independently, while being a committed team memberEmbraces and promotes the Christian ethos of the schoolBrings enthusiasm, support and positive challenge, leading change for the benefit of all. In return, we can offer you:
A school committed to developing children’s creativity, imagination and love of learningA flourishing, inclusive community built on strong relationshipsA school where kindness, love and Christian values shape everyday lifeA highly committed staff team who are passionate about making a differenceSupport from a large Trust spanning Rutland, Peterborough and Northamptonshire, with excellent professional development and career opportunitiesPositive challenge, encouragement and support to help you achieve your potential.Developing people is central to the Trust’s pursuit of educational excellence. We invest in individual skills and talents, recognise the contribution of every colleague and are committed to being an employer of choice. We want our employees to feel valued and at the heart of all we do.
We have a number of core benefits which include:
Professional development: High-quality, evidence-based development in leadership, teaching and learning, SEND and behaviour, alongside support to pursue qualifications including diplomas, Master’s degrees, National Professional Qualifications and apprenticeships.
Professional growth: Our professional growth approach replaces traditional performance management with purposeful reflection, collaboration and development. We listen to colleagues’ career aspirations and support their next steps. There is no performance-related pay: we view our staff as our greatest asset and enable them to be the very best they can be, so that every adult and every child flourishes.
Well-being: Our comprehensive five-strand well-being strategy includes an Employee Assistance Programme offering practical and emotional support, together with an Employee Benefits Scheme providing discounts on everyday essentials.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and strongly encouraged.
We welcome applications from senior leaders and teachers in church and non-church schools who share Ryhall’s values and ambition for every child.
To discuss the role in more detail, please contact Gill Broughton, Director of Education, at [email protected].
Because of term dates, interviews will take place at a neighbouring school within the Trust. If you are considering applying, we strongly recommend visiting Ryhall beforehand. To arrange a visit by Friday 16th October, please contact the current Principal, Alan Reed, who will be delighted to show you around: [email protected].
Find out more about the school at www.ryhallceacademy.co.uk.
Closing date: 5.00pm, Thursday 15th October 2026
InterviewsTuesday 20th October 2026
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to provide two references and undergo DBS and medical checks arranged by the school.