About the Role
HEADMASTER – PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOL
Gracefield Academy is a new independent school opening in January 2027, offering a high-quality Cambridge International curriculum for Primary and High School pupils.
We are seeking an experienced, visionary and highly motivated Headmaster to provide overall academic, administrative and strategic leadership for the school.
The Headmaster will be responsible for establishing and maintaining high standards of academic excellence, pupil discipline, pastoral care, staff performance and school administration. The successful candidate will work closely with the School Directors to implement the school's vision, mission and values and contribute to the successful development and growth of the school.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide overall academic, administrative and strategic leadership for the Primary and High School.
- Oversee the implementation and continuous development of the Cambridge International curriculum.
- Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, assessment and academic performance.
- Lead, manage and motivate teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Oversee staff recruitment, performance management, professional development and accountability.
- Maintain high standards of pupil discipline, attendance, safeguarding, pastoral care and wellbeing.
- Develop and implement the school's strategic plans in line with its vision, mission and values.
- Work closely with the School Directors on staffing, budgeting, infrastructure and school development.
- Oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the school.
- Build strong and professional relationships with parents, pupils, staff and the wider community.
- Oversee admissions, enrolment, pupil retention, school events and extracurricular activities.
- Promote Gracefield Academy and maintain a strong and positive public image of the school.
- Ensure compliance with applicable education requirements and relevant Cambridge standards.
- Promote innovation, technology integration and modern teaching and learning practices.
- Monitor academic and operational performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for the continued growth and development of the school.
- The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership, initiative, strategic thinking and the ability to establish high standards and effective systems within a new school environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Educational Management, Educational Leadership or a related field.
- 10+ years of relevant educational experience, including substantial senior leadership experience.
- Proven experience as a Headmaster, Principal, Deputy Head, Head of School or equivalent senior educational leadership role.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience of the Cambridge International curriculum.
- Experience in Primary and/or Secondary education.
- Proven experience managing teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Strong curriculum planning, academic monitoring and performance management skills.
- Knowledge of pupil discipline, safeguarding, pastoral care and wellbeing.
- Strong financial, administrative and organisational management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer literacy and ability to use modern educational technology.
- Ability to establish effective systems, policies and procedures.
- Ability to recruit, develop and lead a high-performing school team.
- Ability to develop and implement strategic plans for school growth and improvement.
- Ability to build positive relationships with parents, pupils, staff and other stakeholders.
- Strong leadership, decision-making, problem-solving and conflict-management skills.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, accountability and discretion.
- A Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Educational Management or a related field will be an advantage.
- Experience with Cambridge IGCSE, AS & A Level or other international examination systems will be an advantage.
- Personal Attributes
- Visionary and strategic
- Inspirational and people-oriented
- Professional and highly organised
- Firm but approachable
- Passionate about education
- Results-driven
- Ethical and trustworthy
- Proactive and solution-oriented