Principal (Claverham Community College)

Hours of work: 32.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Full-time

Closing date: 16 February 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Claverham Community College

N Trade Rd, Battle TN33 0HT

Phone: 01424 772155

Email: hrofficer@claverham.org

Website: Claverham Community College

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Claverham Community College is seeking an inspirational and strategic Principal to lead our thriving 11–16 comprehensive school in the historic town of Battle. Following the retirement of our long-serving Principal, this is an exciting opportunity to guide a highly successful, values-driven school into its next chapter.

Recognised as one of East Sussex’s highest-performing schools, Claverham has a strong culture of ambition, inclusion and respect. Our most recent Ofsted visit (April 2024) confirmed we remain ‘Good’, with evidence suggesting the school may be ‘Outstanding’ at a graded inspection. The college benefits from excellent facilities, a distinctive House system, and a vibrant wider campus including Battle Sports Centre and Battle Day Nursery.

We are looking for a leader who can:

• Provide ethical, inspiring and visible leadership

• Sustain high standards of education, behaviour and wellbeing

• Drive continuous improvement and inclusive practice

• Strengthen partnerships with parents, community and external agencies

• Ensure effective financial and operational management across the campus

You will be a proven senior school leader with a track record of impact, excellent communication skills, resilience, and a deep commitment to success for all.

Why East Sussex?

East Sussex offers outstanding quality of life, from the High Weald AONB to the Sussex Heritage Coast, excellent links to London and the south coast, and a vibrant cultural and educational landscape. For the right leader, this is an exceptional professional and personal opportunity.

Safeguarding:

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For further information and to apply, please see our recruitment pack and application guidance. If you would like to visit the school, please contact Annette Baker, HR Manager via telephone or email. Completed applications should be returned to Annette Baker via email.

Interviews: Monday 09 and Tuesday 10 March 2026

We warmly welcome applications from leaders who share our values, passion and commitment to success for all.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

Additional Information

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.