Headteacher

Bridge Academy Trust; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PD opportunities

Leadership networks

Trust collaboration

Job summary

Bridge Academy Trust is seeking an exceptional Headteacher for Oaklands Infant School in Chelmsford to lead the next chapter of a well‑regarded infant school. You will provide strategic leadership, champion excellent teaching, and nurture an inclusive culture that places pupil wellbeing at the heart of every decision.

You will inspire staff, work with governors and families, and collaborate across the Trust to drive sustainable school improvement and positive outcomes for children and the

Qualifications

• Values-driven leadership with a clear vision for excellence.
• Proven track record of improving outcomes for children.
• Champion inclusion and believes every child can succeed.
• Places children's wellbeing at heart of decision-making.
• Inspirational leadership with ability to empower staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Oaklands Infant School within Bridge Academy Trust.
• Champion excellent teaching and learning and uphold high aspirations for pupils.
• Nurture caring, inclusive culture and focus on wellbeing.
• Develop staff and build strong relationships with families and partners.

Job description

Are you an inspiring leader with the vision, warmth and ambition to help every child flourish?

We are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our highly regarded infant school into its next chapter. This is a wonderful opportunity to build upon strong foundations, work alongside a talented and committed team, and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.

As Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership while nurturing the caring, inclusive culture that makes Oaklands such a special place to learn and work. You will champion excellent teaching and learning, high aspirations for all pupils, and ensure children's wellbeing remains central to the life of the school.

About Our School

Oaklands Infant School is a welcoming one-form entry school with approximately 180 pupils. We are proud of our strong sense of community, excellent pastoral care and positive relationships with children, families and the wider community.

Our school offers:

• Happy, enthusiastic children who enjoy learning
• A caring, nurturing and inclusive environment
• High expectations for every child's personal and academic success
• A broad and ambitious curriculum that values achievement and wellbeing equally
• Dedicated and talented staff committed to continual improvement
• Strong support from Bridge Academy Trust and governors
• Positive and effective partnerships with parents and the local community

Our children are articulate, confident and proud ambassadors for their school. They are looking for a leader who will inspire them, listen to their views and help them continue to thrive.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Is a values-driven leader with a clear vision for excellence
• Has a successful track record of improving outcomes for children
• Champions inclusion and believes every child can succeed
• Places children's wellbeing, personal development and achievement at the heart of decision‑making
• Can inspire, develop and empower staff
• Builds strong relationships with pupils, families, governors and the wider community
• Has the strategic leadership skills to drive sustainable school improvement
• Values collaboration and will embrace the opportunities available through Bridge Academy Trust

In Return We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a successful and well‑loved school with a strong community identity
• Wonderful children who make us proud every day
• A dedicated, talented and supportive staff team
• Committed governors and a highly supportive Trust
• Access to high‑quality professional development and leadership networks
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across Bridge Academy Trust
• A school with clear values and a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing

Join Us

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who wants to make a genuine difference while building on the many strengths of an already successful school. Whether you are an experienced Headteacher or an outstanding senior leader ready for your first headship, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. We would love to welcome you to Oaklands so you can experience first‑hand our caring ethos, ambitious vision and wonderful children.

Bridge Academy Trust reserves the right to close applications early should a high volume of suitable applications be received

Interview Date

Thursday 22nd October 2026

Contact

Visits to the schools are welcomed and strongly encouraged - please contact the Oaklands Infant School Office on 01245 352166 to arrange this.

This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to DBS clearance and satisfactory references. If successful, an enhanced DBS check would be sought.

Bridge Academy Trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.

About Oaklands Infant School

Our ethos at Oaklands Infant school: is 'Learning and Fun with Friends, Ready to be Part of a Bright Future'. Our shared values are listed in Our Oaklands Code - We are kind, we are safe, we listen, we persevere, we take care of everything, we are polite.

Our professional and skilful staff are committed to doing the best for the children entrusted to our care, placing the happiness and wellbeing of each individual child at the heart of everything they do. At Oaklands Infant school we provide all our pupils with educational and life enhancing experiences, giving them the very best start to their learning journey.

Oaklands Infant School
66 Vicarage Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 9PH

01245 352 166

www.oaklands-inf.essex.sch.uk