Thomas Knyvett College is seeking a passionate and driven Vice Principal to lead on Culture and Behaviour- a pivotal role for this highly inclusive 11- 16 school in Ashford, Surrey, which benefits from a vibrant, diverse school community and excellent transport links. The school is proudly part of The Howard Partnership Trust (THPT), which advocates for staff well-being and has a range of benefits for staff who work with us. As you will be joining a Trust that spans all phases, mainstream and special provision, we are able to draw on a vast range of expertise and give variety and opportunity to our staff.
Under the ambitious leadership of the Principal and with a talented and committed team in place, Thomas Knyvett College has made big strides forward over the past year. The Vice Principal will capitalise on this momentum and play a critical role in the next phase of the school. With strategic, whole-school responsibility for Culture and Behaviour, you’ll make sure that everything you do is geared toward ensuring that all students can access learning and opportunity. While the primary focus is on Culture and Behaviour, you’ll also contribute strategically to broader school improvement, supporting and line managing both teaching and support staff. Your remit will include overseeing key areas of the pastoral system and working collaboratively with colleagues to build a safe, inclusive, respectful and ambitious school culture that embodies the highest of standards and expectations from all its community.
You will play a central role in shaping this positive culture where students thrive and are empowered to succeed- and to be successful yourself you’ll need to be values-led and visionary leader. An innovative and dynamic approach to Culture and Behaviour is a must, as is a talent for introducing and embedding systems and procedures that will benefit staff and students. You’ll need a flair for inspiring teams as both an exceptional communicator and to be an energetic, calm, and emotionally intelligent leader. Above all, you will model excellence and our values of Kindness, Opportunity and Belonging in everything you do.
At The Howard Partnership Trust, we are dedicated to providing a great place to work where staff and students thrive together. If you’re ready to make a difference to the lives of our students and you are excited about the opportunity to commit to Thomas Knyvett College for the next stage of your career, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will be given unparalleled support, benefits and opportunities as a leader.
Close date for applications: Wednesday 1st October 2025, 9am
Interviews: Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October 2025
The successful candidate will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Howard Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment.
The successful candidate will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The Howard Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Due to the nature of this role, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. In making your application, it is essential you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.
As well as verification of identity, we ask all successful candidates to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).