At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant secondary school, inspiring students and staff to achieve excellence.
- Company: Join Clarendon Academy, part of Acorn Education Trust, in Trowbridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for teaching and learning.
- Other info: Visit our school to see the positive impact you can make.
The predicted salary is between 95700 - 105600 £ per year.
Employer Location: Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: L26 – L30 (£95,731 - £105,591)
Posted: 16th January 2026
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Expires: 9th February 2026 12:00 PM
Clarendon Academy and Acorn Education Trust are seeking to appoint an inspirational, driven and compassionate Headteacher, with effect from September 2026, for this inclusive, thriving and hardworking Secondary School and Sixth Form. Located in the bustling town of Trowbridge, Wiltshire, our school prides itself on being a centre of respect, determination and excellence where young, enthusiastic children enter in Year 7 and leave us at the end of Year 13 as fully rounded young adults prepared for their next steps. Our staff aim for every lesson, every day, to be exceptional and work tirelessly to ensure students feel that they belong and can achieve their dreams. In June 2023 we retained our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating and were praised for offering a high-quality, well sequenced curriculum with the inspectors commenting that “pupils feel safe and cared for in this welcoming and friendly school.”
This is a fantastic opportunity for an existing senior leader to build on the many established strengths of this vibrant 11-18 co-educational school, leading its dedicated staff towards further enhancement of the school’s offer.
We are looking for someone with:
- The drive, vision and ambition to achieve excellence for all our pupils;
- An excellent understanding of teaching and learning;
- Proven leadership qualities and the ability to challenge, inspire and motivate colleagues;
- A proven record as an imaginative, innovative, resourceful and decisive leader;
- An understanding of the current educational climate;
- A desire to work within the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) structure.
For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack.
Visiting our school
Prospective candidates are highly encouraged to arrange a one-to-one tour with Louise Hamilton (Acorn Education Trust’s Director of Secondary Education) to see what Clarendon Academy has to offer first-hand. Please contact Mrs Angie Snelling, HR & PA to the Director of Secondary Education, on: 01225-785210.
Closing Date: Monday 9th February 2026 at midday
Interview Date: TBC
Safeguarding Statement: Acorn 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. If successful in obtaining this post you will be subject to a Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and health screening. We are an equal opportunities employer. As part of our safer recruitment processes, if you are shortlisted for the post, we will carry out a social media account search.
Headteacher in Trowbridge employer: The Clarendon Academy
Contact Detail:
The Clarendon Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Trowbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a tour of Clarendon Academy. This will not only give you insights into their culture but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your leadership style. Think about specific examples where you've inspired and motivated your team. We want to hear how you can bring that drive and vision to Clarendon Academy!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current educational trends. Being knowledgeable about the latest in teaching and learning will help you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to lead in today’s climate.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who follow the process closely.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for leading a school and making a difference in students' lives. Share specific examples of how you've inspired others in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your leadership qualities and understanding of the current educational climate. We love seeing candidates who can connect their experiences directly to what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your achievements stand out, and avoid jargon that might confuse us.
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 information you need about the role and our school there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Clarendon Academy
✨Know Your Vision
As a Headteacher, you need to articulate your vision for the school clearly. Think about how you can enhance the existing strengths of Clarendon Academy and be ready to discuss specific strategies that align with their values of respect, determination, and excellence.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership qualities. Be ready to share instances where you've inspired and motivated colleagues, tackled challenges, or implemented innovative solutions in your previous roles. This will show them you have what it takes to lead their dedicated staff.
✨Understand the Educational Climate
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in education. Be prepared to discuss how these factors impact teaching and learning, and how you plan to navigate them within the Multi-Academy Trust structure. This shows you're not just a leader but also a knowledgeable educator.
✨Engage with the School Community
If possible, take the opportunity to visit Clarendon Academy before your interview. Engaging with staff and students will give you insights into the school's culture and help you tailor your responses during the interview. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!