Vice Principal: Culture and Behaviour

Leadership Scale L16–L21 | Permanent | January 2027 or sooner

Salary: Leadership Scale L16–L21
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: January 2027 or sooner

Important Information:

Closing Date: 2nd October 2026

Interviews: WC 12th October 2026

Please ensure you read the 'How to apply' section 

Herne Bay High School is seeking to appoint an additional Vice Principal to oversee Culture and Behaviour within the school.

This is a significant whole-school leadership role, with strategic responsibility for student behaviour, culture, inclusion and pastoral provision across Years 7–11. Working closely with the Principal, Governors and wider Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction and continued improvement of the school.

We are looking for a leader who is able to combine strategic vision with strong operational leadership; someone who can inspire others, build highly effective teams and translate ambition into measurable and sustained improvement.

The Role

As Vice Principal: Culture and Behaviour, you will have strategic responsibility for the culture, behaviour, wellbeing, attendance and inclusion of students across Years 7–11.

The Vice Principal will:

• Provide strategic leadership and accountability for behaviour and culture, ensuring high expectations and consistency across the school.
• Champion a positive whole-school culture underpinned by kindness, respect and dedication.
• Lead on behaviour, inclusion and pastoral provision, ensuring that all students feel safe, supported and able to succeed.
• Lead and develop pastoral teams, working closely with the Head of Upeper & Lower School, The DSLs and Heads of Year to promote student safety, wellbeing and belonging.
• Oversee and develop effective rewards, behaviour and disciplinary systems.
• Contribute significantly to whole-school strategy, self-evaluation and school improvement.
• Use data, evidence and research to evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Contribute to teaching and learning, professional development and the development of staff.
• Deputise for the Principal, both within school and externally where appropriate.
• Support effective recruitment, deployment and line management of teaching and support staff.
• Contribute to safeguarding and maintain DSL-level knowledge and training.

The successful candidate will be an outstanding leader who can build strong professional relationships, communicate with confidence and integrity, and inspire staff and students to achieve the highest standards.

You will have the ability to lead your area of responsibility with autonomy while maintaining a clear understanding of the wider strategic priorities of the school. Above all, you will be committed to securing the best possible outcomes and experiences for every student.

The Leader We Are Looking For

We are seeking an individual who can demonstrate:

• Significant and successful leadership experience within a secondary school.

• A proven track record of improving behaviour, culture, inclusion or pastoral outcomes.

• The ability to lead strategically while maintaining a strong understanding of day-to-day school operations.

• The confidence and credibility to establish high expectations and secure consistency across a large and diverse school community.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire, challenge and support colleagues at all levels.

• The ability to analyse data intelligently and use evidence to inform strategic decision-making.

• A commitment to developing staff through coaching, professional development and effective leadership.

• The resilience, integrity and emotional intelligence required to operate effectively as a senior leader.

• A commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct and to acting in the best interests of students at all times.

You will be a visible, approachable and authoritative leader who understands that excellent culture is created through strong relationships, consistency and high expectations.

Why Join Herne Bay High School?

Herne Bay High School is a large and ambitious secondary school serving the local community. We are committed to providing an education in which every student is known, valued and supported to achieve their potential.

This is an exciting time to join our leadership team. The successful candidate will have a genuine opportunity to shape the future direction of the school, working alongside the Principal and wider Senior Leadership Team to build on existing strengths and drive further improvement.

We value leaders who are collaborative, reflective and ambitious, while remaining firmly focused on the experience and outcomes of our students.

What We Offer

• A significant and influential role within the Senior Leadership Team.

• The opportunity to shape whole-school culture, behaviour and inclusion.

• A supportive and ambitious professional environment.

• Opportunities for continued leadership development and professional growth.

• The opportunity to work with committed staff, governors and leaders who share a strong commitment to student success.

• A school community where kindness, respect and dedication are central to our values.

Safeguarding

Herne Bay High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be expected to share this commitment and will be subject to the appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your completed application form to jemma.lowry@hernebayhigh.org. In addition please send a maximum of 1000 word statement, outlining your vision for the role and any experience or sucesses you have had in a similar remit. If both are not submitted your application will not be processed to the next stage.

We welcome applications from experienced senior leaders who believe they have the vision, expertise and determination to make a significant contribution to our school.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a strong field of applications. We would therefore encourage interested candidates to submit their application at the earliest opportunity.

We will endeavour to respond to all candidates following the closing date and, where possible, will keep candidates informed throughout the recruitment process.

If you are an ambitious leader looking for an opportunity to influence culture, behaviour, inclusion and the wider student experience, we would be delighted to hear from you.