Headteacher

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development programmes

Mentor from within the trust

Trust-wide collaboration and strategy

Community links and support services

Job summary

St John’s CofE Academy in Coventry seeks a passionate Headteacher to lead our Church of England academy within the Coast and Vale Learning Trust. We value kindness, staff wellbeing and inclusive education, and we invite a leader who can nurture Christian values while driving high standards and joyful learning.

The successful candidate will work with a dedicated team to foster belonging, develop staff capacity and raise pupil outcomes, while building strong partnerships with families and the

Qualifications

• Experience in senior leadership in a school setting is essential
• Strong commitment to inclusion, equity and safeguarding
• Proven ability to develop staff and school improvement strategies

Responsibilities

• Create an inclusive, aspirational culture across the school
• Lead the strategic implementation of the Academy Improvement Plan
• Drive high standards in teaching, behaviour, attendance and outcomes
• Embed the Christian vision in decision-making and daily practice
• Develop staff capacity through supportive, evidence-informed leadership
• Secure excellent provision for all pupils, including those who are vulnerable
• Engage parents, families and the wider community to support learning and wellbeing

Job description

We are seeking a passionate, values-driven and highly skilled Headteacher to lead our vibrant and inclusive Church of England academy in Coventry. We are looking for a headteacher who is kind, dedicated and passionate about staff wellbeing to work with our dedicated team to help every child shine.

Proudly part of the Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust - a family of like-minded schools committed to providing safe spaces where everyone is inspired to learn, achieve, contribute and thrive in life - and equally proud of our identity as a Church of England multi academy trust, this is an exceptional opportunity for an inspiring leader to shape the future for our children, staff and wider community. Our new Headteacher will nurture the Christian vision that underpins our work, champion high standards, and create the conditions for every child and adult to flourish.

As the face of our school, you will be at the heart of daily life: fostering a culture where all feel known, valued and loved; strengthening relationships with pupils, families and staff; and representing our school with integrity and warmth within the community. You will champion our vision and values, ensuring they translate into excellent outcomes, joyful learning and a strong sense of belonging.

St John’s CofE Academy is a welcoming one-form entry primary school. Working closely with our central team, you will play a pivotal role in driving sustained school improvement, securing strong teaching and learning, and modelling a leadership style rooted in kindness, ambition and professional curiosity.

What makes us special

St John’s CofE Academy is a warm, happy and aspirational school where children are polite, love learning, and where staff, families and governors work together for the good of every child. Guided by our Christian vision of "I will shine", we strive to help each person grow academically, spiritually and personally.

We value a healthy work-life balance and believe that staff who feel supported, trusted and developed are best placed to deliver high-quality education. Our culture is built on our values: identity, character, teamwork, stewardship, excellence and drive - held within a nurturing, relational and hope-filled environment.

What we offer:

• A highly competitive salary
• First class support and trust wide CPD opportunities
• The opportunity of a Headteacher mentor from within the trust
• The prospect to consolidate and grow excellent practice within a supportive, ambitious Trust
• Professional growth and leadership development, with opportunities to shape Trust-wide strategy as one of our senior leaders
• A community rich in diversity, with strong links to families and partners in Coventry
• Trust-wide support and collaboration, working alongside experienced leaders, system support and a responsive central team as noted in a recent SIAMS inspection of a Trust school: "The school's Christian vision is evident in the way staff are nurtured, valued and enabled to flourish. Senior leaders and the MAT provide compassionate and consistent support. Together, they have created a culture where staff know they are not expected to face challenges alone."

We are looking for a Headteacher who:

• Embodies the ethos and Christian values of the school and our trust
• Is deeply committed to inclusion, equity and the flourishing of every child
• Can engage parents and families to make a positive contribution to school life
• Delivers and champions high-quality teaching that secures strong pupil progress and outcomes
• Uses robust assessment, tracking and intelligent data analysis to inform strategy
• Has secure curriculum knowledge across all Key Stages and understands the latest research on effective pedagogy
• Holds high expectations for behaviour, attitudes and achievement
• Is reflective, emotionally intelligent and committed to continuous improvement
• Builds strong, trust-based relationships with pupils, staff, families, the academy governance committee and external partners
• Can lead with courage and compassion, balancing high warmth with high challenge

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Creating an inclusive, aspirational and joyful culture across the school
• Strengthening belonging, safety and mattering for all pupils and adults
• Embedding a culture of peer collaboration, coaching and professional growth
• Leading the consistent, strategic implementation of the Academy Improvement Plan
• Driving high standards in teaching, behaviour, attendance and outcomes
• Ensuring the Christian vision shapes decision-making and daily practice
• Developing staff capacity through supportive, evidence-informed leadership
• Securing excellent provision for all pupils, including those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged

Informal conversations with the Interim Director of the Diocesan Board of Education will be arranged for shortlisted candidates on the morning of 14th October 2026