Job Ref No. ECC5438-294L Position Type: Headteacher Pay Range: L32-L38 (£112,327 - £129,879)
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 19/01/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: Tuesday 27th January 2026  

Job Description

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William Edwards School, part of our forward-thinking and aspirational Multi Academy Trust, is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our vibrant secondary community into its next exciting chapter. This is a rare and outstanding opportunity for an experienced senior leader who is ambitious, values-driven and passionate about delivering excellence for every student.

About the Role

As Headteacher, you will work closely with our CEO and Trust Board to drive the strategic direction, performance and culture of the school. You will be responsible for ensuring high-quality teaching and learning, exceptional curriculum provision, strong safeguarding practice and outstanding outcomes for all young people. You will lead, inspire and develop a dedicated staff team, shaping a school environment where students thrive academically, socially and personally.

We are looking for an Easter or September 2026 start date for this position.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a leader who is:

  • Articulate, inspiring and supportive - with the ability to motivate staff and students alike.
  • A strategic thinker - able to analyse complex information and drive effective, creative solutions.
  • Experienced in senior leadership within the secondary phase, with a track record of raising achievement.
  • Committed to strong behaviour, safeguarding and inclusive practice, ensuring the highest standards for every learner.
  • Financially astute, able to manage resources and plan for long-term development.
  • Community-minded, building strong relationships with families, employers, external agencies and local partners.
  • Visionary, with the drive, resilience and integrity to lead our school with clarity and purpose.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Leading on student progress, attainment and behaviour.
  • Ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and curriculum design.
  • Managing and developing staff, including performance management and recruitment.
  • Overseeing financial planning and resource management.
  • Maintaining safe, well-managed and inspirational school premises.
  • Representing the school within the local community and across the Trust.
  • Working with the CEO and Trust Board on governance and school improvement priorities.

Why Join Us?

  • A Trust with strong values, clear vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.
  • A supportive CEO and Trust Board who champion innovation and high performance.
  • A well-established school with committed staff, engaged families and motivated students.
  • The scope to shape the school's future development and make a profound, lasting impact.

How to Apply

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact our recruitment partner:
Cressida Johns at Academicis
�� cjohns@academicis.co.uk

�� 07733 628155 / 01223 907979

Full details, including the candidate pack and application form, are available at: www.academicis.co.uk

Information about the School

William Edwards is a large, successful, harmonious and thriving mixed 11-16 comprehensive school. Pupil outcomes across the school are historically strong. However, attending William Edwards is about so much more than just GCSE outcomes. We firmly believe that school days should be the best days of your life and that schools have a moral purpose to extend the life experiences of their pupils. That is why we boast the largest Duke of Edinburgh cohort of any school in the East of England and we are also one of only two schools in the East of England to hold the Arts Mark Platinum Award. Character education and providing a wealth of different experiences to our pupils are important to us.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Information about the school

Contact Information

Recruitment Team
Stifford Clays Road, Stifford Clays
Essex, RM16 3NJ
Telephone: 01375 486000
Email: HRadmin@swecet.org

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