Job Description
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At The Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form, we are an ambitious inclusive 11-19 mixed comprehensive school that places the journey of the child at the centre of everything we do. We have a clear aim for our students and staff: "Enjoy, Enrich, Achieve, Aspire". As a school our ambition is to be "An outstanding school in the heart of the community." These messages underpin everything we do.
We want to work with colleagues who put the students at the centre of everything we do, but also take the opportunities we can offer them to develop their careers and fulfil their own aspirations.
Notley High & Braintree Sixth Form is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE & ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child's journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy. Bridge Academy Trust is committed to its people strategy and prioritises staff's development to ensure they too can enjoy, enrich, achieve and aspire.
About the role:
Are you heading for headship?
This role will get you there.
We are looking for an ambitious senior leader who wants to run a school - not just support one. If headship is your goal within the next two to four years, this is the role that will prepare you for it.
The opportunity in one sentence:our Headteacher holds a trust-wide executive role across our secondary schools, which means you will lead Notley day to day with the authority, visibility, and accountability both alongside the Headteacher and deputising for him.
What you will actually do:
You will have operational leadership of a secondary school of 1,300 students - behaviour, attendance, pastoral systems, safeguarding, daily decision-making, and staff leadership. You will deputise formally for the Headteacher. You will present to governors. You will be the face of the school.
This is not a supportive number two role. It is substantive, stretching, and genuinely preparatory for headship.
About the school:
Notley has been on a deliberate improvement journey since 2024 - 100% subject specialist staffing, curriculum redesign, a new school identity, and a culture built around belonging and achievement. There is real work still to do, and we want a leader who is energised by that, not deterred.
Who we're looking for:
You are probably already a deputy headteacher with proven impact. You lead confidently, think strategically, and are ready for more responsibility than your current role offers. NPQH underway or completed is a strong advantage. Experience in behaviour and culture, attendance improvement, or pastoral leadership is particularly relevant.
What you will gain:
Direct mentorship from a Headteacher and Trust Executive Leader. Exposure to trust-wide school improvement across four schools. A role that makes headship applications genuinely compelling. And a school community that will know your name.
Bridge Academy Trust may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Work Schedule:
Full time, Permanent
How to Apply:
To apply for the role, please complete the application form, demonstrating how your skills and experience match the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification and return directly to Notley High School.
Application guidance notes are also available to assist you with completing your application.
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be made to the school office via email to enquiries@notleyhigh.com
Closing Date: Sunday 26th April 2026, at Midnight
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Further details are available from t: 01376556300 e: enquiries@notleyhigh.com w: notleyhigh.com
This trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful, an enhanced DBS check would be sought. The Bridge Academy trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.
Information about the School
At Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form, we are an ambitious inclusive 11-19 mixed comprehensive school that places the journey of the child at the centre of everything we do - learning together and succeeding together to be the best that we can be.
Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE, ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child’s journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy.
This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. Bridge Academy Trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.