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Senior leaders

Great schools are made of great leaders and we know strong senior leadership is key to ensuring our students have access to a great education. Which is why we recognise the value of supporting and investing in our staff, at every stage of their career.
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Alison Downey, Principal at Ark Putney Academy in Wandsworth

As a senior leader at Ark, you’ll join a network of successful school leaders committed to sharing best practice, while accessing nationally accredited programmes such as NPQSL, NPQH, CPQP as well as our homegrown programme for aspiring principals, LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development). 

Alongside these training programmes, as a Vice Principal you will benefit from annual networking events and as an Ark Principal you will attend residential leadership events which are all designed to give you the tools, support, and connections you need to thrive and make the greatest impact for our young people.​

Ark have provided me with the platform to develop my knowledge and confidence as a leader and have proactively supported my aspirations and ambitions. The trust has unwavering support in leaders across the network and truly invest in the individual. I am excited for what comes next!

Juliet Reed-Birks Vice Principal, Ark Charter Academy

It was great to attend the VP networking event at the end of last academic year. It made me feel real pride in working for Ark and I felt really connected to the core of the network and my colleagues across the other schools.

Adam Rand Deputy Headteacher, Ark Tindal Primary Academy

Senior leadership vacancies

All leadership vacancies
  • LeadershipCloses 23/01/2026

    Vice Principal

    Ark Brunel Primary Academy, London
Christian Down, Principal at Ark Charter Academy in Portsmouth

Ark Senior Leaders: Register your interest

If you are interested in progressing your career within the Ark network and would like to hear about upcoming senior leader opportunities, then register your interest below.

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Professional development opportunities

At Ark, we believe great leadership can transform schools and improves outcomes for every pupil. That’s why we offer a suite of nationally recognised qualifications and bespoke programmes designed for current and aspiring senior leaders. Whether you’re preparing to take on cross-school responsibilities, lead a school as a Principal, or develop a coaching culture, our programmes provide the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to help you thrive in your leadership journey.​

NPQSL (NPQ for Senior Leadership)

This 18-month programme is for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities. Participants will develop their leadership knowledge and expertise to improve outcomes for teachers and pupils in their school.

NPQH (NPQ for Headship)

This 18-month programme is for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school. Participants will develop the knowledge that underpins expert school leadership and apply it to become an outstanding headteacher.

CPQP (Coaching Professional Qualification for Principals)

This 12-month programme is designed to enable participants to become accredited coaches, know how to grow a coaching culture and develop an awareness of their leadership behaviours.

LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development)

An 18-month leadership journey for aspiring Principals which offers exposure to practical examples of key leadership techniques and internal and external models of education excellence.

Ark Learning Platform

The Ark Learning Platform is the single place to access professional development and learning opportunities at Ark: