At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant school community and drive improvement for our pupils' success.
- Company: St John and St Francis Church School, part of a supportive Multi-Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Engaged students, dedicated staff, excellent CPD, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a committed team.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and a passion for education.
- Other info: Join us in September 2026 and help shape the future of our school.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 Β£ per year.
Key information about the school:
- NOR: 420
- Age Range: 4 - 11
- Ofsted Outcome: Good (May 2022)
- SIAMS Outcome: Good (January 2019)
The school is achieving well and is ready for the next stage of its improvement journey, building on its success so far.
Are you an experienced senior leader who:
- Is excellent at building relationships with pupils, staff and the parent community
- Able to drive improvement in an already successful school, using a breadth of evidence to identify strengths and areas for development
- Strikes an effective balance between strategic leadership and the practical application of initiatives on the ground
- Has a strong understanding of distributed leadership, able to support other leaders to be the best versions of themselves
- Values collaboration and trust-wide working
We can offer you:
- Engaged and motivated pupils who are rightly very proud of their school
- An excellent staff team of dedicated professionals who are committed to the school and its community
- An involved and supportive parent community who want the best for their children
- Excellent support from an effective MAT and collaboration with other trust schools
- High-quality CPD to develop your leadership
Visiting the School:
You are warmly invited to visit the school on the following dates:
- Thursday 22nd January 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
- Tuesday 27th January 2026, 14:00 β 15:00
- Tuesday 4th February 2026, 9:00 β 10:30
To arrange a visit, please contact the school office.
For further information about this role, please refer to the vacancies page on our BWMAT website or click on the apply button to be taken to our vacancy page.
Closing date: 22nd February 2026 at 11:59pm
Shortlisting date: 27th February 2026
Interview dates: This is a two-day process taking place on Wednesday 11th and Friday 13th March 2026
This post will commence in September 2026.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS and all relevant pre-employment checks.
Safeguarding Statement: St John and St Francis Church School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Headteacher in Bridgwater employer: St John and St Francis Church School
Contact Detail:
St John and St Francis Church School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Bridgwater
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Visit during the open days, chat with staff and parents, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in their community.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare some solid examples of how you've driven improvement in previous roles. Use evidence to back up your claims, and be ready to discuss how you can apply those strategies in this new environment.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Be ready to talk about how you support and develop other leaders. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you build trust within teams β that's what theyβre looking for!
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining the team and contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion 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 school community.
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and achievements. We love seeing how you've driven improvement and built relationships in previous roles, so donβt hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight how your values align with our commitment to collaboration and trust-wide working. This shows us youβre a great fit for our school culture.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is super important in a leadership role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at St John and St Francis Church School
β¨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the school thoroughly. Understand its values, recent achievements, and areas for improvement. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the school's vision. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've built relationships and driven improvements in previous roles.
β¨Engage with the Community
Highlight your experience in engaging with pupils, staff, and parents. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and trust within the school community, as this is crucial for a Headteacher role.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges the school might face and how you would address them, demonstrating your ability to balance strategic leadership with practical application.