At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a diverse secondary school community, ensuring excellence in education.
- Company: BMAT, a forward-thinking educational trust with a commitment to high standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education, with a focus on high expectations and inclusivity.
- Other info: Collaborate with fellow leaders and enjoy extensive support throughout your career.
The predicted salary is between 110327 - 123438 £ per year.
BMAT is seeking an inspiring and accomplished senior leader to take on the role of Headteacher at Royal Docks Academy, an 11–16 secondary school in Newham, East London, with approximately 1,200 students on roll. BMAT is guided by a commitment to excellence, believing that outstanding leadership is the foundation of outstanding schools. Across our seven secondary and five primary academies in Essex and East London, we foster environments of high aspiration where individuals are valued, confidence grows and success is achieved by all.
Royal Docks Academy proudly serves the diverse and dynamic community of Newham, the principal host borough of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The school benefits from a dedicated and hardworking team of leaders, teachers and support staff, alongside a broad and ambitious curriculum. Over the past five years, the school’s reputation has strengthened significantly, with increasing numbers of parents expressing confidence in the education their children receive.
The academy is fully inclusive and includes a specialist provision for 25 pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties, supported by a highly skilled PMLD team. The successful candidate will ensure that all pupils leave the academy well prepared for the demands of a competitive world, having made strong progress throughout their time at the school. They will demonstrate a proven record of success, consistently high expectations for every pupil, and have a clear understanding of excellence in teaching, learning and SEND provision.
Strong communication skills and a commitment to developing and empowering others will be essential. Applicants may be experienced Headteachers or ambitious Deputy Headteachers ready to progress to headship. The new Headteacher will benefit from extensive opportunities to collaborate with fellow leaders across BMAT, alongside high-quality professional support throughout their career.
If you are a proven school leader with the ambition to make an even greater impact, we would welcome your application. To arrange a confidential and informal discussion about the role, please contact our recruitment partners Propelo on 01273 222 877. For details on how to apply, please visit https://bmat.our-careers.co.uk/.
Close date for applications: Thursday 29th January 2026 at 10am. Interviews: Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th February 2026.
BMAT Education is committed to safeguarding children; successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
HeadteacherEDV/2026/RDA/22364 employer: BMAT
Contact Detail:
BMAT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HeadteacherEDV/2026/RDA/22364
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators and leaders in your field. Attend local education events or webinars to make connections that could lead to opportunities. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its community. Understand their values and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference at Royal Docks Academy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss your vision for the school and how you plan to inspire both staff and students. Confidence is key, so rehearse with a friend or mentor to get feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace HeadteacherEDV/2026/RDA/22364
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 others and create a positive impact in our school community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of Royal Docks Academy. Highlight your experience and achievements that align with our commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that showcase your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at BMAT
✨Know Your School Inside Out
Before the interview, take the time to research Royal Docks Academy thoroughly. Understand its ethos, values, and recent achievements. Familiarise yourself with the community it serves and the specific challenges and opportunities it faces. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how you can contribute to the school's success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Headteacher, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, improved student outcomes, and fostered an inclusive environment. Be ready to discuss how you empower staff and students alike, as this aligns with BMAT's commitment to developing others.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about real-life situations you've encountered in your career and how you handled them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively, showcasing your ability to navigate challenges.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Interviews are a two-way street, so don't hesitate to engage with the panel. Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's vision, the support available for new leaders, and how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.