Leadership – L8 – L15
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Closing Date: Noon, Monday 13 April 2026

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Principal for Post 16.  

This is a strategic leadership position at the heart of our school’s next phase of growth. The successful candidate will lead the development, quality and impact of our 16–19 study programme, ensuring it is ambitious, inclusive, compliant and aligned with students’ academic needs, aspirations and future pathways.

You will secure excellent outcomes for all Post‑16 learners, with a sharp focus on:

• High achievement and progress
• Strong attendance and retention
• Exceptional personal development
• Robust safeguarding
• Successful destinations into higher education, apprenticeships or employment

A particular priority will be ensuring that disadvantaged students, those with SEND, students known to children’s social care and those facing additional barriers receive the support, challenge and opportunities they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the school’s 16–19 study programme, ensuring high quality, growth and compliance.
• Drive strong academic outcomes, attendance, personal development and progression for all Post‑16 students.
• Lead a culture of aspiration, inclusion and excellence across the Post‑16 provision.
• Oversee safeguarding, retention and destination outcomes, ensuring no student is left behind.
• Work closely with curriculum leaders, pastoral teams and external partners to enhance the student experience.
• Contribute to whole‑school leadership and school improvement as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

We are looking for a leader who is:

• Visionary, strategic and committed to inclusive excellence
• Experienced in Post‑16 education, curriculum, or student development
• Skilled in analysing data to drive improvement
• Passionate about raising outcomes for disadvantaged and vulnerable learners
• Able to inspire staff, students and families
• A collaborative team player with the credibility to influence whole‑school improvement

Completed application forms need to be returned to Allison Worley, Human Resources Manager at  aworley@thameslearningtrust.co.uk

Closing date: noon, Monday 13 April 2026

We also have a forward-thinking Employee Assistance Programme, a Medical Cash Plan, Wider Wallet benefit hub, eyecare vouchers, no lesson cover and generous non-teaching time allocation. As we are close to the centre of Reading, travel connections are first-rate, with the M4 and M3 within easy reach, as well as the mainline rail station (with fast connections to London).

All applications will be considered on receipt and an appointment may made before the closing date.

Thames Learning Trust is committed to adhering to the DFE guidance "Keeping Children Safe in Education". It is the individual's responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in the School. Satisfactory references, enhanced DBS clearance & social media check is required for this post. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You are required to comply with the school’s Health and Safety policy at all times.