We are seeking an Assistant Headteacher to join our team at The Matthew Arnold School, part of Bourne Education Trust. 

As Assistant Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher in the management of the school. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing the school's vision, managing specified areas of responsibility, and leading staff with confidence and discretion. This role offers the opportunity to oversee the running of a Key Stage, working closely with middle leaders and colleagues to ensure the highest standards of education and student development.

Please note this is a maternity cover vacancy.

About The Matthew Arnold School

The Matthew Arnold School is a thriving mixed comprehensive school for 11-16 year olds in Staines-upon-Thames, rated 'Good' in our February 2024 Ofsted inspection where we were recognised as "a school where students and staff are aspirational."

Our philosophy centres on both academic improvement and character development, encouraging students to challenge themselves and embody our motto: "Dream Big, Work Hard and Achieve." Our core values of Respect, Kindness, and Aspiration are embedded throughout school life.

The people make our school special—from inquisitive children growing into confident young adults, to our talented staff who guide them. We provide an ambitious curriculum complemented by excellent facilities and a diverse enrichment programme, while our strong pastoral structure ensures students develop into resilient individuals. Additionally, our newly established purpose-built smallholding, home to goats, chickens, and ducks, provides a unique opportunity for students to cultivate nurturing and caring skills.

As part of the Bourne Education Trust (BET), a successful multi-academy trust comprising twenty-five schools across Surrey, Hampshire, and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, staff benefit from a robust support network in a collaborative environment. We are committed to creating a community where students, staff, and families proudly contribute to both the school and wider community through "transforming schools...changing lives."

Details

Position: Assistant Headteacher

Contract: Full time, fixed term (maternity cover)

Start Date: September 2025

Salary: Leadership 12 - 16 (Fringe: £66,665 - £73,539)

Benefits

• Generous workplace pension through TPS (Employer contribution 28.68%)

• Condensed school year with two week half term in October

• Ongoing training, learning and development opportunities

• Recognition policies for exceptional performance and long service

• Well-being support, including 24/7 online GP access, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), online wellness support and free eye tests

• Access to savings on your everyday spending including groceries, homeware, entertainment and holidays, through My Staff Shop benefits platform

• Work-life balance, and family friendly policies and processes

• Free on-site parking and cycle to work scheme

• Occupational sick pay

• Electric car chargers

• Free access to onsite gym after school

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that the vision and strategic direction of the school focuses on a holistic approach to learning which is broader than examination results and targets and recognises the importance of developing responsible citizens and an effective workforce

• Supporting and maintaining the ethos, vision and aims of the school and Bourne Education Trust

• Creating a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment in which pupils, staff and visitors feel comfortable and which is conducive to learning

• Supporting the defined and clear strategic direction for the school which achieves the highest quality educational provision and high standards

Requirements include:

Essential

• Qualified Teaching Status

• An awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children

• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to leadership

Desirable

• 2 years of leadership experience

• Mentoring/coaching experience

For full job description and requirements, please see applicant pack on our careers website.

Our Culture

At Bourne Education Trust, we value colleagues who are:

• Reflective, optimistic and aspirational

• Collaborative and innovative

• Committed, engaged and professional

• Advocates for equality and inclusivity

How to apply for this role:

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to our careers site. From there, you can access our applicant information pack and complete our online application form. Please note CVs without a fully completed application form will not be considered.

The closing date for this role is the 31st May 2025.

Bourne Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare and safety of its staff and pupils, and follows rigorous safer recruitment procedures. We expect all candidates to meet the highest standard of safeguarding and successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Bourne Education Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all colleagues, pupils and other stakeholders. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. In advertising our vacancies, we are committed to accommodating diverse needs. If you require the applicant job pack to be supplied in a different format, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to provide a suitable alternative.