At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving school, driving exceptional teaching and inclusive practices.
- Company: Kinver High School, part of Invictus Education Trust, known for its strong community and high standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for equity in education.
- Other info: Join a committed team dedicated to nurturing future leaders and fostering a vibrant school culture.
The predicted salary is between 74000 - 86000 ÂŁ per year.
Invictus Education Trust is recruiting for a Headteacher at Kinver High School. The position is permanent, with a Leadership Pay Range of L23 (£88,951) – L29 (£103,030). The expected start date is September 2026 or earlier if possible. Closing date: 11th February 2026 at 12 noon.
About the School
Kinver High School is a highly successful, oversubscribed 11–18 comprehensive school of around 800 students, located in the picturesque village of Kinver on the western fringe of the West Midlands. Key strengths include:
- Consistently above national outcomes since 2022
- Strong performance across nearly all measures, reflecting high‑quality teaching and sustained improvement
- Rapid growth from 4‑form to 6‑form entry due to rising popularity and oversubscription
- A wide and diverse intake, supported by our designated school coach transport service, drawing students from five local authorities
- A reputation that positions Kinver as a “selective” school of choice—families actively choose us for high standards, a strong culture and exceptional learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom
Kinver High School also hosts THRIVE, an on‑site Alternative Provision Base that provides high‑quality, tailored support for students requiring a more personalised pathway. THRIVE reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of barriers, disadvantage, learning need or personal circumstance, can achieve, excel and realise their potential.
Who We Are Looking For
- Ambitious, resilient and hardworking, with an unshakeable belief that all students can succeed
- Passionate about equity, equality of opportunity and ensuring every child, including those facing barriers, succeeds academically, socially and personally
- A champion of exceptional teaching and learning, committed to modelling great practice and driving continuous improvement
- Deeply committed to developing colleagues, nurturing talent and building future leaders at every level
- Collaborative and team‑spirited, eager to contribute to and benefit from Trust‑wide partnership and shared expertise
- A leader who values inclusion, understands the complexity of alternative provision, and can maximise the life chances of all children—not just the already successful
- Driven by moral purpose, with the presence, empathy and determination to lead a vibrant, diverse and aspirational school community
A Unique School and Community
- A once‑in‑a‑career opportunity to lead a thriving, oversubscribed high school at an exciting point of growth and development
- Leadership of a school with a Sixth Form and an opportunity to shape and develop future post‑16 academic and vocational pathways
- The rare opportunity to lead a school with its own on‑site Alternative Provision Base, THRIVE, enabling you to drive truly inclusive practice and support students who require tailored provision
- A semi‑rural village setting, with strong community identity, close‑knit relationships and high levels of parental support
- Excellent sporting facilities, enabling broad curriculum opportunities and strong extracurricular provision
- Access to our own school nature reserve, offering unique outdoor learning, wellbeing and environmental education experiences for students and staff
- The chance to work with fantastic students who are respectful, ambitious and proud of their school
- A committed, talented and supportive staff team, working together with professionalism, care and a shared belief in the potential of every child
- A school culture built on trust, collaboration and a strong sense of belonging, where every voice matters
Benefits of Being Part of Invictus Education Trust
- Dynamic, collaborative Trust environment where innovation, professional growth and new ideas are celebrated
- The security of teachers’ terms and conditions, including membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, supporting wellbeing, mental health and work‑life balance
- Strong cross‑school networks and opportunities to contribute to and learn from Trust‑wide strategic development
- The support of a highly skilled central services team, allowing you to focus on teaching, learning, pastoral excellence and leadership development
- A role within a growing and ambitious Multi‑Academy Trust dedicated to making a real, measurable difference in the lives of young people across South Staffordshire and Dudley
Contact
Please contact our Director of Secondary Education: Nikki Clifton (email: nclifton@invictus.education) or for further information, telephone Amy Buttery at 01384 646510.
Equal Opportunity
As a Trust we are committed to ensuring that throughout our recruitment and selection process, no applicant will be disadvantaged or discriminated against because of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
Legal and Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All necessary safeguarding checks will be undertaken. Candidates who do not pass these checks will be disqualified.
Application Process
Closing date: 11th February 2026 at 12 noon. We may close early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Interview dates: Day 1 – Thursday 26th February 2026, Day 2 – Friday 28th February 2026. Applicants will undergo an online search during the recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025. An Enhanced DBS plus Children’s Barred List Check is required.
Other Information
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). Positions are exempt under the Act and will be conditional upon satisfactory DBS checks. Guidance can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Headteacher in Stourbridge employer: Teaching vacancies
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StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Stourbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Kinver High School or within the Invictus Education Trust. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and values. Think about how your vision aligns with their commitment to equity and inclusion, and be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've developed colleagues and nurtured talent in previous roles. They want to see that you're not just a leader but a mentor who inspires others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Invictus family.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Stourbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! We want to see your commitment to helping every student succeed, especially those facing challenges. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to Kinver High School and the values we hold dear. Highlight your experience with inclusive practices and how you can contribute to our thriving school community. We love seeing candidates who understand our unique environment!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experiences and achievements. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you're the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school community there. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching vacancies
✨Know Your School Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Kinver High School's ethos, achievements, and community involvement. Familiarise yourself with their recent performance metrics and initiatives like THRIVE. This shows genuine interest and helps you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the school's values. Prepare examples of how you've developed colleagues and fostered a collaborative environment. Highlight your commitment to inclusion and equity in education.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully navigated difficult situations, particularly those involving diverse student needs or staff development.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's future direction, community engagement, and support for staff. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.