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- Tasks: Lead a primary academy, driving excellence and continuous improvement in education.
- Company: Woodlands Academy, part of the collaborative Cabot Learning Federation.
- Benefits: Access to Teachers’ Pension, professional development, health benefits, and well-being support.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
A unique opportunity to support a Senior Principal in leading a primary academy at the heart of a South Bristol community. Woodlands Academy is seeking a Head of School to join its senior leadership team and play a key role in a developing leadership structure, helping to drive excellence, equity and continuous improvement. Woodlands Academy educates children across the primary age range and is proud to be part of the Cabot Learning Federation, a trust known for its collaborative ethos and dedication to high-quality education. The school benefits from a committed, enthusiastic staff team who work tirelessly to ensure all pupils are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.
Working in close partnership with the Senior Principal and wider leadership team, the Head of School will take a central role in both the strategic direction and day-to-day running of the academy. You will build on current strengths while leading key priorities that enhance teaching, learning and curriculum development. The successful candidate will be a confident communicator, able to develop strong, positive relationships with staff, pupils and families. You will bring energy, resilience and strategic clarity, along with a strong commitment to equality, collaboration and ongoing professional development. In doing so, you will help ensure Woodlands Academy continues to deliver an exceptional, inclusive education for its entire community.
Responsibilities
- Lead strategic direction and day-to-day running of the academy in partnership with the Senior Principal and the senior leadership team.
- Drive excellence, equity and continuous improvement in teaching, learning and curriculum development.
- Develop strong, positive relationships with staff, pupils and families; communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, professional development and inclusion across the school community.
Qualifications and Attributes
- Proven leadership experience in a school setting consistent with the responsibilities of a Head of School or equivalent role.
- Clear, confident communication and ability to build relationships with staff, pupils and families.
- Energy, resilience and strategic clarity with a strong commitment to equality, collaboration and ongoing professional development.
- Commitment to delivering an inclusive education and contributing to a developing leadership structure.
Why CLF?
We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters. We particularly encourage applicants from those groups in order to represent the students we serve, as well as wider underrepresented groups including gender, transgender, age disability, sexual orientation or religion.
What we can offer you
- Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing support for career development and wellbeing.
- Sector-leading professional development entitlement and opportunities.
- Collaboration with colleagues across the trust through subject communities and specialist networks.
- Shared CLF curriculum, written and curated by trust experts, reducing individual teacher workload.
- Career enhancing and progression opportunities within the trust and through the CLF Institute.
- A collaborative culture which supports workload.
- Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
- A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
- Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking and many more!
Recruitment timeline
- Shortlisting: 18 May 2026
- Interviews: 21 and 22 May 2026
How to apply
Please complete a full application form via the Eteach website. As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through the application form. Please note: there is a requirement on page 24 of the Candidate Information Pack for you to include requested information within the Supporting Statement section of the application form. This information will be reviewed during short-listing, as part of your application for this role. The Supporting Statement section does not allow anything over an 8,000-character limit - this is equivalent to 2/3 pages of text in Word, depending on spacing/formatting used. The application form will highlight how many characters you have used/if you reach the limit. Updates regarding an application, which could include an invite to interview, will be sent to the email address used when registering an account.
Disability and Accessibility
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.
Head of School employer: Cabot Learning Federation
Contact Detail:
Cabot Learning Federation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Woodlands Academy or within the Cabot Learning Federation. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the community ethos at Woodlands Academy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Head of School, you'll need to connect with staff, pupils, and families. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand what Woodlands Academy and the Cabot Learning Federation are all about. Familiarise yourself with our values and mission, as this will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our community.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: The Supporting Statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you address the specific points mentioned in the job description. Use clear examples from your experience that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to equality and inclusion. Remember, you've got an 8,000-character limit, so be concise but impactful!
Be Authentic: We want to hear your voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share your passion for education and how you plan to drive excellence and continuous improvement at Woodlands Academy. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection with us.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to complete your application via the Eteach website as we don’t accept CVs. Following the proper channels not only shows your attention to detail but also ensures your application is processed correctly. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cabot Learning Federation
✨Know Your Academy
Before the interview, take some time to research Woodlands Academy and the Cabot Learning Federation. Understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of School, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading teams, driving excellence, and fostering collaboration. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully managed challenges and improved educational outcomes.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to develop strong relationships with staff, pupils, and families. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with different stakeholders and how that has positively impacted the school community. This will show that you value collaboration and inclusivity.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Practice responding to questions about handling conflicts, implementing curriculum changes, or improving student engagement. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making abilities during the interview.