"Inspiring Futures - One Classroom at a Time"
Our Story
King's Lynn Academy (KLA) stands at an exciting inflection point. Following the retirement of our long-serving and transformational Principal, Eastern Multi Academy Trust (EMAT) is seeking an inspirational and ambitious leader to build on an extraordinary journey of improvement and take the school to the next level of excellence.
KLA was placed in special measures in 2016. By joining EMAT and through courageous, collaborative leadership, the school earned a 'Good' judgement from Ofsted and has since become the most oversubscribed secondary school in Norfolk, growing from approximately 600 to nearly 1,000 pupils. This is a story of community trust rebuilt, standards raised, and ambition restored.
We now seek a Principal who is ready to sustain and accelerate that momentum: an educational leader with the vision to achieve outstanding outcomes, the relational skills to inspire staff, pupils and community alike, and the strategic acumen to manage a school now entering an exciting phase of physical expansion from 6 to 8 forms of entry.
The Role
As Principal of King's Lynn Academy, you will provide outstanding educational and operational leadership, working closely with the EMAT CEO and central team to sustain and deepen the school's improvement journey. You will be accountable for the quality of education, the wellbeing of every pupil and staff member, and the school's position at the heart of the King's Lynn community.
About King’s Lynn Academy
Situated on Queen Mary Road in the heart of King's Lynn, KLA serves a diverse and proud community in West Norfolk. Our 978 pupils – across Years 7 to 11, benefit from an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum, a strong culture of personal development, and a staff team deeply committed to the belief that every child deserves excellence.
Key facts about our school:
About Eastern Multi Academy Trust
EMAT is a growing, values-driven Trust of 12 primary and secondary academies across West Norfolk, Breckland and Brandon (Suffolk). Founded in 2017, our Trust mission rests on four pillars: Empower Motivate Achieve Transform.
Our vision is captured in our motto: Transforming Lives, Transforming Communities. We believe schools must be at the heart of the communities they serve, and our track record demonstrates this, every school that has joined our Trust has improved its Ofsted outcome. KLA is our flagship secondary and central to our Trust's identity and long-term strategy.
EMAT's strategic priorities include:
Why Join Us?
At EMAT, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking Trust that invests in its people and we offer all employees:
For more information
To find out more about the school, please visit our website
Please contact Alpha Parish, Executive Search Consultant to arrange a visit, request a candidate information pack or to arrange an informal discussion by either calling 01223 907979 or emailing aparish@academicis.co.uk
How to apply
Please complete your application by visiting EMAT’s recruitment website
We’d also love to hear about your teaching philosophy, what you can bring to the role, and your aspirations for the future.
Closing date: 11.55pm, 14 June 2026.
Interview date: 22 June 2026.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Eastern Multi-Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List where applicable), satisfactory references and medical clearance.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to equity, representation and belonging. We value the diversity of our workforce and believe that different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives strengthen our schools and enrich our communities.
We actively welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups, and from candidates who are neurodiverse. If you require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments so that everyone can perform at their best.
We also welcome applications for part-time, flexible and job-share working, where this can be accommodated within the role.
Reimagine the possibilities.
As one of the largest employers in Suffolk, we have a huge variety of exciting careers to offer people as keen to make a positive impact on the world around them as we are.
As a modern, flexible, and effective council, we’re driven to make a difference to the environment, the communities we serve, and the careers of our people. We explore innovative ways to encourage, respect, and enable everyone to be the best they can be.
By creating meaningful connections with our people and our partner organisations, we’ve built a culture of mutual collaboration, trust, and respect where everyone is supported to be their authentic selves.
We aim to inspire and empower. To improve and evolve. To develop and innovate. To take pride and ownership of the world around us and ensure that we leave a positive and lasting legacy. That’s why it’s time to reimagine a career with the council and take a fresh look at what we can offer you.
