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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant school community, inspiring students and staff to achieve excellence.
- Company: Sandringham School, known for its academic success and inclusive ethos.
- Benefits: Supportive leadership team, exceptional facilities, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and make a lasting impact in a thriving community.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and a passion for outstanding teaching.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a dedicated team and advance your career.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 70000 £ per year.
Have you ever imagined leading a school where excellence, warmth and ambition sit side by side? Do you believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives, for young people and for the adults who work alongside them? Are you excited by working in a high-performing team environment and the chance to shape something truly special? If so, this may be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
The Local Governing Body of Sandringham School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Headteacher to lead the school into its next chapter. Following 21 years of principled leadership, Alan Gray is retiring from his position as Headteacher. With our interim Head of School choosing to step away from senior leadership, we are offering a rare and exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to take the helm of a remarkable school. This is a moment of genuine promise.
You will join Sandringham at a position of strength, working closely with two highly experienced Deputy Headteachers, an expert Senior Leadership Team, and a committed LGB, to build on firm foundations and shape the future with confidence and creativity. We are looking for an inspiring, values-driven leader who leads with empathy, integrity and energy.
You will bring:
- a strong and credible track record of senior leadership
- an unrelenting commitment to outstanding teaching and learning
- the ability to communicate with clarity and warmth, and to unite students, staff, families and partners around a shared moral purpose
About the school: Sandringham School is proud of its history, recognised for its academic excellence, inclusive ethos and deep commitment to the personal development of every student. As one of ten schools within Ambition Education Trust, the school sits at the heart of a thriving learning community in St Albans, combining high expectations with genuine care and opportunity for all. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious, with strengths across all subject areas. Our dedicated staff are passionate, reflective and relentlessly focused on making a difference every day. The school holds International School Status and champions global learning through meaningful partnerships. Facilities are exceptional and include purpose-built teaching spaces, extensive sporting provision, a 4G multi-surface pitch, athletics track, indoor swimming pool, and a professional theatre.
The role and expectations: As Headteacher, you will be fully supported and professionally trusted. You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Local Governing Body, the Trust's CEO and the Trust Board, enjoying the autonomy to lead decisively while benefiting from the strength of a collaborative and ambitious Trust network. If you are an aspirational leader with the courage, creativity and moral purpose to make a lasting impact on a truly special school community, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Prospective applicants are warmly encouraged to visit the school. Visits can be arranged through Lesley Dunkley or Penny Powell. Further details, including the application pack, are available on our website.
How to apply and deadlines:
- Closing Date for applications: Monday 23rd February 2026 at 9am
- Interview Date: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th March 2026
Safeguarding and equality: Ambition Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to a post at AET is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, as well as other pre-appointment checks including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education. We are committed to the aim of ensuring that everyone who applies to work for us receives fair treatment and we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership and caring status. We expect all our staff to demonstrate a commitment to advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations.
Headteacher employer: Sandringham School
Contact Detail:
Sandringham School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Visit Sandringham, chat with staff and students, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only help you understand the school's culture but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your leadership style. Think about how you can communicate your vision for the school clearly and passionately. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've led teams and driven change.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the Local Governing Body and understand their priorities. Tailor your discussions during the interview to align with their goals and demonstrate how you can contribute to the school's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through. We want to see how deeply you believe in transforming lives through teaching and learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate with warmth and clarity, so let that reflect in your writing.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: As a Headteacher, your leadership experience is crucial. Be sure to detail your track record in senior leadership roles. We want to know how you've inspired teams and driven educational excellence in your previous positions.
Tailor Your Application: Make your application specific to Sandringham School. Research our values and ethos, and align your experiences with what we stand for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our community and shaping its future.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandringham School
✨Know Your Vision
As a Headteacher, you’ll need to articulate your vision for the school clearly. Think about how you can enhance the existing strengths of Sandringham School and be ready to discuss specific strategies that align with their values of excellence and ambition.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share examples of your leadership experiences that demonstrate empathy, integrity, and energy. Highlight how you've successfully united teams around a shared moral purpose in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Engage with the Community
Familiarise yourself with the local community and the school’s ethos. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with students, staff, families, and partners to foster a collaborative environment that supports educational excellence.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the school's future and its challenges. This could include inquiries about the school's current initiatives or how the leadership team collaborates to achieve their goals.
