At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Great Horwood C of E School, driving educational excellence and supporting staff and pupils.
- Company: Join the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust, a family of 15 schools focused on improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive CPD opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a community committed to well-being and sustainable practices.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in education and help transform young lives.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, excellent communication, and a deep understanding of pedagogy.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 € per year.
The Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust (ODBST) is an ambitious and aspirational family of 15 schools united by a clear focus on school improvement. Our mission is to empower our unique schools to excel, enabling our children and young people to “experience life in all its fullness.” We serve communities of all faiths and none, with our schools existing to provide exceptional education and care to their local communities. We foster a deep sense of belonging across our Trust, where pupils, parents, staff, and the wider community feel proud to be part of our family.
We have an exciting opportunity to join Great Horwood C of E School as a Head of School, working alongside a strong and confident ODBST Executive Headteacher and a supportive local governing body. The ODBST has a strong school improvement team who work alongside leaders to inspire and promote great practice, working collaboratively to enable everyone to be the best that they can be. Great Horwood C of E School has recently been inspected by OFSTED, March 26, and has secured at least expected in all aspects, with areas of real strength identified. The last SIAMS inspection was very strong and the school is in the right place for fresh and exciting leadership direction.
The Head of School will promote and support the vision and direction of the school by providing the day‑to‑day leadership and support that will enable it to build success and provide high quality education for its pupils. The Head of School will report directly to the Executive Headteacher to secure school improvement and best practice for the benefit of all pupils. You will demonstrate resilience and commitment in securing positive outcomes for all pupils and possess excellent inter‑personal skills, communicating effectively at all levels. You will also demonstrate a strong understanding and awareness of pedagogy and research to improve outcomes for pupils of all abilities and learning needs. It will be essential to maintain a positive culture with high regard for pupil and staff well‑being.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to make a significant impact across a growing family of schools
- A collaborative, supportive team committed to educational excellence
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- The chance to work with passionate educators dedicated to transforming young lives
Being part of a Trust, you are part of the family and this comes with many opportunities from CPD training and networking to in‑house support and career development. We want everyone to be able to thrive!
Benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme with Schools Advisory Service – staff can access a wide range of support including a GP service, menopause support, counselling and mindfulness, chronic illness support, physiotherapy, fitness services and so much more!
- Free flu vaccination vouchers
- Free eye test for computer users
- Cycle 2 Work Scheme
- Access to the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS)
- Extensive CPD opportunities including Trust wide subject leadership groups, mentoring, safeguarding supervision, networking opportunities and apprenticeships
- Full commitment to sustainable ways of working, green energy and reducing our Trust emissions to reach net zero by 2035
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check. The ODBST is an Equal Opportunities employer.
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 because it is a post which involves working directly with children or young people and the applicant is required to declare any criminal convictions (or cautions or bind‑overs) including those which are “spent.” The amendments to the Exceptions Order, 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Head of School, Great Horwood C of E SchoolEDV/2026/ODBST/29496 employer: Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
The Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust (ODBST) is an exceptional employer, offering the opportunity to lead and inspire at Great Horwood C of E School within a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong focus on professional development, employee well-being, and a commitment to educational excellence, ODBST empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. The Trust's dedication to sustainability and community engagement further enhances the rewarding experience of working here.
Contact Detail:
Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School, Great Horwood C of E SchoolEDV/2026/ODBST/29496
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Great Horwood C of E School or within the ODBST. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Head of School.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's recent OFSTED report. Knowing their strengths and areas for improvement will help us tailor our approach and show we’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership style! Think about how we can promote a positive culture and support staff well-being. Bring examples of how we’ve done this in the past to the table during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the ODBST family. Plus, it’s super easy!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School, Great Horwood C of E SchoolEDV/2026/ODBST/29496
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of pupils and the community.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of ODBST. Highlight your experience and skills that align with our focus on school improvement and community engagement.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key messages come across clearly. This will help us understand your vision and approach.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Great Horwood C of E School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
✨Know the Trust's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the mission of the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust. Familiarise yourself with their focus on school improvement and how they empower schools to excel. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate that you're a great fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of School, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading a team, promoting a positive culture, and supporting staff well-being. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led initiatives or improved outcomes for pupils.
✨Highlight Your Understanding of Pedagogy
Make sure to brush up on current educational research and pedagogy. The interviewers will want to see that you have a strong understanding of effective teaching strategies and how to cater to diverse learning needs. Bring in examples of how you've applied this knowledge in your previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's direction, the support you'll receive from the Executive Headteacher, and how the Trust fosters collaboration among its schools. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
