Head of School in Bristol

At Avanti Gardens, we believe in nurturing the whole child and creating a school where every pupil can flourish academically, socially and personally. We are seeking a committed and inspiring Head of School to work closely with the Executive Principal in leading the next stage of our journey. This is a pivotal leadership role, shaping a strong and inclusive culture, driving high standards across teaching and learning, and ensuring every child receives an exceptional and well-rounded education.

You will lead and support a dedicated team, fostering a positive environment where staff feel valued, developed and empowered to do their best work. Working in partnership with pupils, families and the wider community, you will play a key role in strengthening relationships and ensuring the school remains a place where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact within a values-led school community, where ambition, care and integrity are at the heart of all we do.

Avanti Gardens is a primary school situated in Fishponds, Bristol. The school is housed in a beautiful campus, that was previously an all-through school, and before that part of Bristol University, which means it has many facilities that primary schools don’t, like a full-size auditorium and sports hall. Our school is a non-faith, community school that embraces inclusion and diversity. The school is an inspiring place to be that places value on pupil wellbeing.

What will you do?

• Provide strategic leadership alongside the Executive Principal, driving high expectations, strong outcomes and a clear vision for school improvement.
• Lead and develop the Senior Leadership Team, fostering a positive culture, prioritising staff wellbeing and ensuring effective performance management and professional growth.
• Champion high-quality teaching, learning and curriculum design, using data and evaluation to raise standards and secure excellent pupil progress and behaviour.
• Build strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents and the wider community, promoting inclusion, equality and a shared commitment to the school’s ethos and values.
• Oversee effective use of resources, including budgets and staffing, ensuring compliance, safeguarding, and continuous improvement through robust self-evaluation and planning.

Why should you apply?

Avanti exists to help each person become a well-rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place. You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Great opportunities for professional development
• Teacher pension scheme (subject to eligibility)
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership
• Well-being programs (retreats, yoga, wellness apps)
• Cycle-to-work Scheme

What are we looking for?

• Qualified teacher status and degree or equivalent professional qualification, evidence of ongoing commitment to CPD.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within a primary school or similar educational context.
• Proven primary subject or phase leadership including strong Early Years curriculum, planning, assessment skills, and support for underachieving pupils.
• Successful experience of developing and implementing effective programmes for the professional development of staff.
• Excellent behaviour management, strong verbal and written communication, and the ability to model high standards while working effectively with staff, pupils, parents and wider stakeholders to maintain positive professional relationships.

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role.

Further information: Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re-checks. Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion: We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics.