Headteacher

Join a community where strong relationships foster success.

Job Title: Headteacher
Location: Akeley Wood School, Akeley, Buckingham
Salary: Up to £85,000 Per Annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start Date: Available for immediate start

Please note that we recommend early applications. We may begin interviews and extend offers before the closing date mentioned in this advertisement.

Become a part of our school community as the Headteacher.

Akeley Wood, a member of Blenheim, is a vibrant co-educational independent school located across three scenic campuses in the Buckinghamshire countryside. We cater to students aged 12 months to 18 years, fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and ambitious atmosphere where every child is recognized and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Our school features inspiring learning environments, including woodland areas, specialized classrooms, creative arts studios, and modern sports facilities. We take pride in our robust pastoral culture, our emphasis on individual strengths, and our dedication to helping students evolve into confident, curious, and compassionate young individuals.

By joining Akeley Wood School, you will become part of a committed and collaborative team that values high expectations, meaningful connections, and the transformative impact of education.

The Role
As Headteacher, you will have the opportunity to:

- Shape the school’s vision, culture, and values
- Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team to provide innovative, personalized education
- Cultivate a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally
- Advocate for a culture of confidence, self-discovery, and personal development

If you are passionate about making a significant impact in the lives of children and young people, this role provides the chance to leave a lasting legacy.

What You’ll Do
In this role, you will:

- Provide strategic leadership with clarity, ambition, and compassion
- Foster a trauma-informed, inclusive, and aspirational culture
- Oversee operational delivery, safeguarding, quality, and compliance
- Recruit, develop, and inspire a highly skilled staff team
- Work closely with therapy professionals to design personalized, student-centered pathways
- Deliver a diverse and innovative curriculum, complemented by co-curricular activities that challenge, support, and celebrate each learner
- Establish strong, collaborative relationships with parents, caregivers, and local authorities
- Promote continuous improvement and innovation in specialized education

About You
We seek a leader who embodies both expertise and compassion:

- Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head prepared for headship
- Strong understanding of Ofsted frameworks and/or ISI
- Proven skills in budget, resource, and change management
- Deep commitment to inclusive education and high aspirations for every student
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) with senior leadership experience
- NPQH or working towards this qualification
- Full UK Driving Licence

You are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every student is recognized, valued, and encouraged to excel—academically, socially, and personally.

Why Join Akeley Wood Senior School?
You will be part of a collaborative, supportive, and innovative team that shares a passion for excellent teaching and believes in the transformative potential of education. Our beautiful surroundings, strong pastoral culture, and commitment to staff development make Akeley Wood a fulfilling place to teach and grow.

Safeguarding Commitment
We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff members are required to adhere to safeguarding policies and participate in relevant training. Any safeguarding concerns must be reported according to school procedures. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Why Join Us?
At Blenheim Schools, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day, positively influencing the lives of students and vulnerable young individuals. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people.

All applicants will undergo social media checks, and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

Blenheim Schools are committed to a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we strive to keep applicants informed throughout the process, we cannot accept liability for any loss of earnings or other costs incurred due to delays or compliance requirements.