At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Great Horwood C of E School, inspiring excellence in education and community engagement.
- 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 dedicated to educational excellence.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment with a commitment to sustainability and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on young lives and foster a positive school culture.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, excellent communication, and a deep understanding of pedagogy.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
About This Role
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.
The Role
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
Employer Information
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 1975 (2013, 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 in Princes Risborough 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, competitive benefits, and a commitment to staff well-being, ODBST empowers educators to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their communities. Join a family of schools dedicated to educational excellence and personal growth, where your leadership can truly flourish.
Contact Details:
Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School, Great Horwood C of E SchoolEDV/2026/ODBST/29496 in Princes Risborough
✨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 about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Head of School.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for education! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, share your vision for school improvement and how you plan to support both pupils and staff. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle various scenarios related to leadership and pedagogy. Practising your responses will help us feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to be part of our Trust family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School, Great Horwood C of E SchoolEDV/2026/ODBST/29496 in Princes Risborough
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 ensure 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 official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
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 and how you foster a positive culture among staff and pupils. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led initiatives in the past, especially those that improved educational outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Well-Being
The job description emphasises the importance of pupil and staff well-being. Make sure to discuss how you prioritise mental health and well-being in your leadership. Bring up any relevant programmes or strategies you've implemented in previous roles that support this aspect.
✨Prepare for Pedagogy Questions
Expect questions about pedagogy and research-based practices. Brush up on current educational trends and be ready to discuss how you would apply these to improve outcomes for pupils of all abilities. Showing that you stay informed and can implement effective teaching strategies will set you apart.
