Headteacher

Shorefields; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Oaklands Infant School in Chelmsford is seeking an inspirational Headteacher to lead our one-form entry infant school into its next chapter. You will provide strategic leadership and nurture an inclusive culture that prioritises pupil wellbeing and high standards of teaching.

You will champion strong partnerships with Bridge Academy Trust, families and the local community, ensuring continued school improvement and staff development. Visits are encouraged, with interviews on 22 October 2026.

Qualifications

• 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

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

School improvement

Staff development

Communication

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2529-75L Position Type: Headteacher Pay Range: Leadership 7 - 13

Position Start Date: 01/01/2027 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 14/10/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: Thursday 22nd October 2026

At Oaklands Infant School, our ethos is "Learning and Fun with Friends, Ready to be Part of a Bright Future." Guided by our Oaklands Code, we encourage our whole school community to be kind, safe, respectful, resilient and responsible.

Our dedicated and highly skilled staff place the happiness, wellbeing and success of every child at the heart of all they do. We believe that every child deserves an exceptional start to their educational journey and provide rich learning experiences that support both academic achievement and personal development.

Oaklands Infant School is proud to be part of Bridge Academy Trust, a collaborative family of schools committed to ensuring that every child can Enjoy, Enrich, Achieve and Aspire. Through high-quality education, strong community partnerships and a shared commitment to continuous improvement, the Trust provides outstanding opportunities for both pupils and staff to thrive.

About the Role

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.

Work Schedule:

Full time, Permanent

Interview Date:

Thursday 22nd October 2026

Further details are available from: t: 01245352166 e: [e-mail] w: oaklands-inf.essex.sch.uk

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. If successful, an enhanced DBS check would be sought. The Bridge Academy trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.

Information about the School

Oaklands Infant School is a happy, popular school, set in small but beautiful grounds in Old Moulsham, Chelmsford. All members of the school community are committed to doing the best for the children entrusted to our care, placing the happiness and well-being of each individual child at the heart of everything we do.

Oaklands Infant School is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE, ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child’s journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy.

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. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. Bridge Academy Trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

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