At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dedicated team to provide exceptional education for every child.
- Company: Aerodrome Primary Academy, part of the supportive REAch2 Multi-Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Generous leave, professional development, flexible working options, and well-being support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while fostering a positive school community.
- Qualifications: Proven educational leadership experience and a passion for inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
Aerodrome Primary Academy are seeking a dynamic and inspirational leader to join our team. Are you an experienced educational leader looking for an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our children? The successful candidate will have a proven track record of excellence in educational leadership, with experience in managing highly effective teams. You will be committed to providing every child with an exceptional educational offer, ensuring they are supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Aerodrome was the first school in the country to receive an Ofsted inspection under the new framework in November 2025, and we are proudly at “Expected” in all areas other than Inclusion and Personal Development where we are at the “Strong” standard. We are located towards the south of Croydon with good access to transport links. The school is part of the REAch2 Multi‑Academy Trust family, having joined the Trust in 2012. At Aerodrome, every child is recognised as a unique individual and we celebrate the diversity within our school community. The ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values.
We are looking for an outstanding leader with a proven track record of success and a passion for improving the life chances of children.
Our Aims- To provide a safe, happy, healthy and friendly environment, which enables children to develop their self‑esteem and decision‑making skills enabling them to make a positive contribution to school life and beyond.
- To instill a love of learning and promote high expectations, celebrating both success and effort.
- To provide an inspiring, fun, engaging curriculum, with both challenge and support, in and beyond the classroom.
- To work hand‑in‑hand with parents/carers and members of the Aerodrome community to maintain and develop a school of which we can all be proud.
What we are looking for in our next Headteacher: We are seeking an outstanding senior leader with the passion, drive, and enthusiasm to build on our strengths. You will lead, motivate, develop, and inspire a team of staff and governors who are committed to providing pupils with a wide range of enriching experiences. We welcome applications from existing headteachers and talented deputy headteachers who have the knowledge and expertise to help us raise outcomes and consistently deliver excellence. You will have a clear understanding of what it takes for a school to maintain the highest standards of teaching and learning, whilst having the expertise to embed a culture of continuous improvement.
Additionally, you will demonstrate the ability to manage, prioritise, and organise your workload, show flexibility and resilience, and recognise the need for pastoral care for all members of the school community. Inclusion is at the heart of all of the school’s work (having attained IQM flagship status on multiple occasions). You will have a deep knowledge and experience of ensuring that all children thrive and succeed and a passion for and commitment to Inclusion. You will be highly skilled at creating intentional provision that makes a real difference to all children through working in partnership with other staff both in the school and throughout Reach2 as well as outside agencies. You will proactively share the strengths of the school with others as well as promote collaboration and being open to learning from other schools within the cluster and the Trust as a whole. A commitment to supporting wellbeing and mental health is essential. We are a caring employer who invests in the future of our employees, as only through their excellence can we deliver excellence for the children and families we serve.
As a member of REAch2 Academy Trust, a national family of primary academies, Aerodrome Primary Academy is committed to raising standards and achieving excellence for all pupils, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Trust provides a strong culture of collaboration and support, with high expectations for staff and pupils alike.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, motivate, and inspire a dedicated team of educators.
- Drive excellence in teaching and learning.
- Foster strong relationships with parents and the wider community.
- Ensure the delivery of an exciting, broad, and engaging curriculum.
- Uphold and promote our core values: high expectations, integrity, nurturing, always learning, working together, and taking responsibility, guide us daily.
- Support and effect the trust vision of “every school a great school” by “Always Aiming Higher”.
- Proven track record of excellence in educational leadership.
- Experience in managing highly effective teams.
- Commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all children.
- Relational and proactive approach with parents and the community.
- Ability to inspire, challenge, and motivate.
- Deep knowledge, experience and commitment regarding Inclusion.
- Generous Annual Leave: healthy work‑life balance.
- Professional Development: access to diverse CPD and training opportunities to grow your skills.
- Flexible & Family‑Friendly: we are committed to supporting flexible working and will consider individual requests, including part‑time, term‑time, home working and other options that work for both the employee and the Trust.
- Exclusive Discounts: benefit from Blue Light Card offers and employee perks.
- Well‑being Support: receive comprehensive well‑being and employee assistance for you and your family.
Headteacher employer: Aerodrome Primary Academy
Aerodrome Primary Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering generous annual leave and a commitment to flexible working arrangements. As part of the REAch2 Multi-Academy Trust, employees benefit from a strong culture of collaboration, access to diverse professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values inclusion and excellence in education. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our children while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a headteacher position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its community. Understand their values and challenges, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and improved educational outcomes. Use stories that highlight your commitment to inclusion and collaboration, as these are key values for Aerodrome Primary Academy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the REAch2 family and contributing to a great school culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate others, so share your vision for making a difference in the lives of children.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the specific values and goals of Aerodrome Primary Academy. Highlight your experience in managing effective teams and your commitment to inclusion, as these are key aspects we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your achievements and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aerodrome Primary Academy
✨Know Your School Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research Aerodrome Primary Academy thoroughly. Understand their values, recent achievements, and challenges they face. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the school's vision. Share specific examples of how you've motivated and inspired teams in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your commitment to inclusion and how you've successfully implemented strategies to support diverse learners.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of community engagement. Be ready to discuss how you plan to foster strong relationships with parents and local organisations. Share any previous experiences where you've successfully collaborated with the community to enhance educational outcomes.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries that reflect your interest in the role and the school’s future. For example, ask about their plans for professional development or how they envision the role of the Headteacher evolving in the coming years.
