At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant school community, ensuring high standards in teaching and learning.
- Company: High Wycombe Church of England Combined School, a popular and inclusive primary school.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while promoting a strong Christian ethos.
- Qualifications: Experience in education leadership and a passion for fostering student potential.
- Other info: Warm visits to the school are encouraged; join us in shaping future generations.
The predicted salary is between 75049 - 84699 £ per year.
Location: High Wycombe
Salary Details: Level 16 - 21 (£75,049 - £84,699)
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Closing date: 04/03/2026
Interviews to be held: 13/03/2026
About us
High Wycombe Church of England Combined School ("HWCE") is a maintained voluntary-aided one form entry primary school serving a culturally diverse area of High Wycombe. We are situated to the south of the town centre and we draw our pupils from a wide area. As a church school, the school promotes a strong Christian ethos and has close links with All Saints' Church and the other churches in the High Wycombe benefice, both through school activities and the Governing Body. We are an incredibly popular and oversubscribed school.
Role Purpose
The Headteacher will provide strategic leadership and vision, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning, and pupil outcomes. They will foster a culture of inclusion, diversity and equality, in which all children and staff are empowered to flourish, while proactively promoting the Christian ethos and values that define HWCE. This is a non-teaching post.
Job purpose
- To provide vision and inspiration for the school.
- To provide leadership, organisation and management of the school.
- To work with the governing body and staff to develop and implement the school's strategic plan.
- To work with the governing body to manage the school within the available resources.
- To ensure continual improvement and high quality, creative and fulfilling education across all age groups and abilities to maximise educational, social and emotional development for all.
- To develop standards of teaching, learning and achievement both in accordance with statutory requirements and in keeping with the Christian vision and values of this school.
About you
A candidate will only be considered for shortlisting and move forward to the interview stage if they meet the initial essential criteria under qualifications, knowledge and experience. We are looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates an awareness of the wider education context with an understanding of the distinctive nature of R.E. and Collective Worship in a Church school.
- Has a passion for education, coupled with ability and enthusiasm to see every child fulfil their potential.
- Has experience of working with stakeholders including governors, school improvement partners, other schools and organisations to improve outcomes for pupils.
Other information
Visits to the school are warmly welcome. To arrange a visit or to find out more about the role, please contact our school office on the number below. Please send completed application forms to the email address below:
Tel No: 01494 524220
Email: schooladmin@highwycombecombined.bucks.sch.uk
HWCE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. References will be taken up prior to interview. The appointment will be subject to all relevant safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled “Exceptions Order”). It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete self-disclosure form and return prior to interview.
Headteacher - High Wycombe Church of England Combined School employer: Buckinghamshire Council
Contact Detail:
Buckinghamshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher - High Wycombe Church of England Combined School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to visit High Wycombe Church of England Combined School. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and values, and think about how you can contribute to their vision. This will show them you're genuinely interested and invested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members, governors, or even parents if you can. They can provide insights into the school's culture and what they value in a headteacher. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle various scenarios related to leadership, inclusion, and the Christian ethos of the school. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - High Wycombe Church of England Combined School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've helped students achieve their potential and how you plan to continue doing so at HWCE.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Make sure to detail your previous leadership roles and how they’ve prepared you for the Headteacher position. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed teams and driven school improvement in the past.
Connect with Our Christian Ethos: Since we’re a church school, it’s important to demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to our Christian values. Share how you’ve integrated these principles into your educational philosophy and practice.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready for the digital age of education!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckinghamshire Council
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand the Christian ethos and values that define High Wycombe Church of England Combined School. Reflect on how your own values align with theirs and be ready to discuss how you would promote this ethos in your leadership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've demonstrated strategic leadership and improved educational outcomes. Highlight your experience working with governors and other stakeholders, as this will show your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Diversity
Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity within the school. Think about practical strategies you've implemented in the past to ensure all children and staff feel empowered and valued.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the school's strategic plan or how they measure success in promoting their Christian values. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.