Executive Headteacher

Compass Community; Colchester; On-site; GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Colchester is seeking an Executive Headteacher to lead a new school opening in 2026. The ideal candidate will have Qualified Teacher Status and a proven track record in excellent teaching practices. Responsibilities include driving improvement and supporting vulnerable pupils in their academic journey. The role offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Base salary of £74,623 per annum

Bonus for KPIs up to £18,000 per annum

Supportive working environment

Excellent CPD opportunities

Flexible pension

Qualifications

• Proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice.
• Experience working with vulnerable children.
• Ability to teach to GCSE level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the new school and drive continual improvement.
• Inspire and support the school environment.
• Help vulnerable pupils succeed.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Experience with SEMH & SEND

Crisis management skills

Ability to teach Maths and/or English

Curriculum design experience

Excellent management skills

Passion for pupil engagement

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Key Dates

Advert End Date: 11th November

Shortlisting: 12th November

Interview Dates: 27th & 28th November

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a brand new school, due to open in 2026.

The Executive Headteacher will play a central role in driving continual improvement by inspiring and supporting their schools to be excellent learning environments. You will need to be passionate about supporting pupils to be the best that they can be and highly aspirational. You will lead your teams to provide all opportunities possible to enable vulnerable and complex pupils to gain qualifications and become successful adults.

The successfully appointed Executive Headteacher will be supported by a wider community of highly dedicated professionals and the central leadership team whose practice is always child centred. The role will report to the Director team.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice.
• Have experience working with children with SEMH & SEND, with an understanding of crisis‑management, managing behaviour that challenges and supporting children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.
• Be able and willing to teach Maths and/or English to GCSE level, with additional experience in delivering vocational BTEC, Functional Skills or ELC courses.
• Have experience in designing and delivering creative and academically engaging curriculums, with excellent management skills and the ability to work with various professional networks.
• Be driven to engage in all aspects of school life, with the passion and resilience to make a difference to the lives of their pupils.

We Will Offer You

• Base salary of £74,623 per annum + bonus for KPIs and Key Deliverables: Up to £18,000 per annum.
• A supportive working environment where pupils are at the centre of our decision making.
• You will be supported by a wider team who aim to support work life balance.
• You will work with some incredible pupils and have opportunities to genuinely change lives.
• A competitive salary, terms and conditions.
• Excellent CPD opportunities including therapeutic training.
• A comprehensive induction and leadership induction programme.
• Flexible pension.
• A range of employee support and wellbeing benefits.

We welcome applications from experienced Headteachers from either primary, secondary, or special educational backgrounds.

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.

All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

Compass is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.

Unable to show this video due to your cookie preferences

#CSHP

About You

About Us

Not Specified