Assistant Principal – Student Welfare, Behaviour & Attitudes

Salary: Outer London Leadership: L5 – L10 - £61,246 - £68,796

Location: The PRIDE Academy, West Drayton, UB7 8AB

Working Pattern: Full time, Permanent, Starting as soon as possible.

The PRIDE Academy is a secondary special school in the London Borough of Hillingdon, dedicated to supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. We currently offer 120 places for pupils from 11 to 19, providing a varied curriculum with a strong focus on practical skills and enrichment opportunities.

Staff at The PRIDE Academy have an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people and ensure they will leave school with the skills they need and academic outcomes that reflect the best of their abilities. To find out more about us visit our school website.

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and visionary Assistant Principal – Student Welfare, Behaviour and Attitudes to help lead our school. You will have the opportunity to shape students' lives positively, fostering a supportive environment where individual needs are celebrated and educational success is prioritised.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the development and implementation of teaching and learning strategies to support student welfare, manage behaviour effectively, and foster positive attitudes towards learning.

• To create, promote and maintain a high quality, positive, inclusive, and safe school culture and educational environment.

• To work closely with the Principal and SLT on strategic school improvement planning and school self-evaluation to ensure continued development.

• To undertake a teaching commitment to promote outstanding classroom practice and to sustain curriculum innovation. Shared responsibility for lesson observations and providing high quality coaching, support and mentoring as appropriate.

• Foster a culture of high expectations and academic excellence.

• Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and external partners to support student learning.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.

• Qualified to degree level and above.

• Extensive experience with an excellent understanding of current theory and best practice in teaching and learning, preferably within an SEMH or SEN setting with a strong understanding of the social, emotional, and mental health needs of students.

• Excellent understanding of effective strategies for maintaining high standards of learning behaviour, behaviour and discipline within the classroom and wider school context.

• To demonstrate high-quality leadership, including the ability to lead, coach, motivate and enthuse others.

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of best practice relating to child protection and safeguarding.

• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.

Rewards & Benefits:

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Home Electronics Scheme)

• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme

• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)

• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Our Trust:

The PRIDE Academy is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the School directly. Visits to the School in advance of applications are encouraged.

Closing date: 11th May 2026

Interview date: 18th May 2026

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.