Principal (DACA)

Principal 

Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA), part of the Aldridge Education Trust, is a school at the heart of its town, where community partnership and student engagement are key to our work. 

We are seeking an exceptional Principal to lead DACA into its next exciting chapter. This is a career-defining opportunity for a passionate, ambitious, and values-led leader who is committed to making a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of young people in Darwen and the wider community. 

DACA serves a proud and diverse local community and plays a central role in shaping opportunity, aspiration, and achievement. As part of a medium-sized and highly collaborative trust, the academy works closely with other Aldridge schools while retaining its own distinctive identity, culture, and sense of purpose. 

At Aldridge Education, everything we do is guided by two core principles: 

1. Leaving no one behind 
2. Bringing learning to life 

These principles underpin every decision we make from the curriculum we design to the care, support, and development we provide for our students and staff. 

We are looking for a dynamic, resilient, and courageous leader who: 

• Is driven by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and excellence for all students 
• Thrives in challenging contexts and approaches complexity with confidence and determination 
• Believes in the transformative power of strong relationships, engagement, and purposeful learning 
• Can inspire, develop, and unite a high-performing team while working collaboratively across the Trust 

Aldridge Education does not claim to have all the answers but we are determined to find them together. This role is about more than leading a school; it is about redefining what is possible for a community with ambition, potential, and a right to the very best education. 

Why Join? 

• A genuine opportunity to shape the future of a school at a pivotal moment of growth 
• Access to the Trust’s Growing Together programme, collaboration with like-minded colleagues and support to expand your influence 
• The chance to be part of a wider family of schools making a real impact in areas of significant deprivation 

Ready to Lead the Change? 

If you believe in our mission and are ready to make your mark, we would love to hear from you. Be part of a team that’s building a legacy, transforming outcomes, and bringing learning to life one student at a time. 

How to apply: 

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 5th February 2026  

Applications should be made electronically via Anderson Quigley. 

For further details about this position and how to apply, please view the recruitment website or please contact Hayley Mintern at hayley.mintern@andersonquigley.com or Alastair Redwood at alastair.redwood @andersonquigley.com or Paul Horgan at paul.horgan@andersonquigley.com.