Headteacher
Salary: from £92,594 - £108,325. Pay point dependent on experience.
Starting date: as soon as possible
An exciting opportunity for an exceptional, experienced leader to shape the education and development of 720 junior school children at our high achieving standalone academy.
Are you an aspirational, forward-thinking and dedicated leader, with the necessary skills and experience to lead a thriving, multifaceted, high-achieving and ambitious school?
Do you have the strategic vision, commitment, and passion to work with us to deliver an exceptional all-round education and fulfil our ambition to achieve more?
About us
Cleves is an over-subscribed six-form entry KS2 stand-alone academy with a strong history of providing excellence in education through an exciting curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, and excellent facilities beyond what many schools have to offer. Ofsted judged us ‘outstanding’ in all areas in June 2022, a standard which our dedicated staff and school community are committed to maintaining. Our aim is for every child to feel appropriately supported and helped to grow, academically and personally. The mental health and well-being of everyone in our community matters to us.
We are committed to appointing a Headteacher who:
• has the knowledge and experience to maintain and raise educational standards and achievement
• is approachable, and an effective leader and communicator
• creates an environment that encourages effective teamwork, personal development and high morale
• understands how to manage and make best use of the school’s financial and other resources effectively
• can think and plan strategically to safeguard and further enhance Cleves’ provision
• will build on and maintain excellent stakeholder and partner relationships.
In the words of our children, “We want someone who: is fair, listens, is approachable but firm, is passionate about being our headteacher and who lives up to our values”.
We offer:
• a caring, supportive, and inclusive whole school community
• a forward looking, can-do, entrepreneurial culture
• enthusiastic, articulate, well-behaved and high achieving children
• excellent facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports hall, a performance hall, and an advanced ICT strategy
• experienced and motivated staff committed to achieving high standards
• experienced and committed trustees
• a supportive and proactive parent body.
About you
You will have experience as a school leader, having worked as either a Headteacher or Acting Headteacher, with the skills necessary to lead a large and diverse school.
You will be able to evidence:
• effective and inspirational leadership attributes and results;
• success in strategic and operational delivery, and the ability to lead and inspire staff and children alike.
• a thorough understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and the ingredients for high academic standards
• clear, effective communication skills
• skill in managing budgets and other resources.
We will review all applications against the criteria in the person specification.
Safer recruitment, inclusion and diversity.
Cleves is committed to safeguarding, Prevent and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This appointment will be made subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service approval (DBS check) as part of our rigorous approach to safeguarding our children, and there will be a probation period. We will also expect satisfactory references, and you must be eligible to work in the UK.
Online searches of shortlisted candidates may be conducted.
Cleves is committed to equality of opportunity. We encourage and support the recruitment of individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.
Next steps and applying for the role
If you are interested in this position please do read our Information Pack attached which will give you more information, including how to apply for the role.
We welcome visits to the school during school hours by prospective applicants. To arrange a visit please contact Debbie Stephenson.
Intended interview dates are 17th and 18th November 2025.
Cleves is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment will be made subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service approval ('DBS') as part of our rigorous approach to safeguarding our children.