Headteacher in Bristol

Location: The Castle School, Park Road, Thornbury, Bristol. BS35 1HT

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

Salary: L30 £105,595 - L36 £122,306

Closing date: Monday 20th April 2026 at 9am

Interview dates: TBC

Proposed Start Date: 1st September 2026

Following the current headteacher taking up a second headship within our trust, we have a vacancy for an aspirational Headteacher to lead The Castle School from September 2026. This role is equally suited to an experienced Headteacher who is motivated by the chance to shape the next chapter of a well-established school, or an ambitious leader ready to step into their first Headship.

About the role

As the Headteacher of The Castle School, you will provide proactive and innovative leadership to steer the school’s strategic direction and maintain its commitment to excellence. Reporting to the Director of Secondary Schools, you will be responsible for all aspects of school improvement, ensuring that our mission is clearly articulated, shared, and realised by the entire school community.

You will work collaboratively with a knowledgeable Senior Leadership Team and other Headteachers across our trust to contribute to the broader trust agenda and foster a culture of shared values. Central to this role is the promotion of an inclusive, high-achieving environment where teaching and learning are at the heart of strategic planning.

About you

We are seeking a visionary, resilient leader with a proven track record in secondary education and an exceptional understanding of the evolving educational landscape. You will be someone who:

• Is a motivational leader who encourages staff and pupils to unlock their unique talents and ambitions
• Has a relentless determination to ensure every child makes significant progress, regardless of their starting point
• Leads with a blend of courage, curiosity and compassion
• Brings energy and an optimistic attitude to the role, demonstrating the tenacity and agility required to deal positively with the pressures of school leadership
• Uses data strategically to drive continuous improvement
• Values that 'more is achieved together' and are committed to contribute professionally to the wider goals of the trust
• Communicates confidently and translates complex visions into clear, actionable goals with clearly identified impact
• Shapes coherent improvement plans that translate ambition into sustained, measurable progress
• Empowers colleagues by sharing expertise generously and guiding them through purposeful professional development

At The Castle School, we are proud of our strong track record of academic achievement and pastoral care for our students. Situated in Thornbury we have great transport links with Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and South Gloucestershire. As part of a family of trust schools, The Castle School currently has 1,426 students and is shaped by our clear values, kindness, fairness and aspiration. This inclusive culture is reflected in our outstanding student conduct, a genuine sense of belonging and an on-site alternative provision that ensures every learner has the support to succeed. We have a thriving Post-16 centre, a committed junior leadership team and a strong track record of supporting our local community.

We can offer you:

• The chance to shape something truly special from strong foundations
• Happy, engaging children who thrive on inspirational leadership
• A supportive trust and school community
• Strong collaboration across the trust family of schools and access to a centralised team of specialists across all areas of school operations
• A commitment to high-quality CPD, with dedicated time and budget for your development
• A values-driven ethos where diversity, equity and inclusion are lived every day
• Recognition of continuous service (modification order) to protect employment rights and entitlements
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and death-in-service cover
• Occupational sick pay to support you during illness or unexpected emergencies
• Family-friendly leave packages to help maintain a healthy work–life balance

To find out more about The Castle School and our trust, please refer to our candidate recruitment pack attached. We strongly encourage school visits. Full information on arranging a visit or making enquiries about the role can be found in the pack.

In order to apply for this role please complete an application form by 9am, Monday 20th April 2026. The interview will be scheduled over two days, with dates to be confirmed. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the process.

Join us in Providing a Great Education for Every Child. The trust is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils.

Safeguarding Statement: CSET is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles across the trust have a varying level of responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice, with some roles holding significant responsibility and involving working with children on a daily basis in regulated activity. Regardless of the level of responsibility and involvement in each role, we expect all staff, visiting professionals and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Successful candidates will be required to provide a disclosure of any unspent convictions and cautions, as well as any spent convictions or cautions that are not 'protected' (i.e., filtered) under the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). All appointments are subject to a comprehensive pre-employment checking process. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (including a Children’s Barred List check), satisfactory references, medical fitness, Right to Work in the UK, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching/management check. In line with KCSIE guidance, we will also conduct online searches on all shortlisted candidates. Our full Recruitment and Selection policy is available on our website.