Headteacher

Sandringham School; Sandridge; On-site; GBP 86,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in the UK is seeking an experienced Headteacher to lead the school into its next phase of development. The successful individual will be a visionary leader committed to academic excellence and inclusivity. This is a remarkable opportunity to influence the lives of students while collaborating with a supportive leadership team. Applications are welcomed from inspiring leaders ready to make a significant impact within the school and community, with visits encouraged before applying.

Benefits

Supportive Senior Leadership Team

Professional development opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Qualifications

• Proven record of strong senior leadership within a school setting.
• Ability to lead with empathy, energy, and integrity.
• Committed to fostering an inclusive and ambitious school environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Sandringham School during an exciting transitional phase.
• Shape the next phase of the school's development.
• Collaborate with deputy headteachers and the wider community.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Strong communication

Collaborative mindset

Education

Qualified teacher status

Experience in senior leadership

Job description

Headteacher – Sandringham School

Permanent / Full Time

Leadership Scale: L37-43

Required: September 2026

The Governing Body of Sandringham School is inviting applications for the post of Headteacher. After 21 very successful years of principled leadership, Mr. Alan Gray is retiring from his position as Headteacher. With our interim Head of School feeling it is the right time to step away from senior leadership, this creates a significant opportunity for an exceptional leader to join Sandringham at an exciting moment in its journey, and work with our two highly experienced deputy headteachers to lead the school.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader who will build on firm foundations and lead with empathy, energy and integrity. The successful candidate will bring a proven record of strong senior leadership, an unrelenting focus on teaching and learning, and the confidence to communicate and collaborate effectively with all members of the school and wider community.

Sandringham School is an outstanding school, recognised for its academic excellence, inclusive ethos, and deep commitment to the personal development of every student. As one of ten schools within the Ambition Education Trust, it sits at the heart of a vibrant learning community in St Albans, combining high aspirations with warmth, care and opportunity for all.

At Sandringham our curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious, with notable strengths across all subject areas. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to make a genuine difference every day. The school holds International School Status and actively promotes global learning and partnerships supported by purpose-built teaching spaces, extensive sporting provision, a 4G multi-surface pitch, an athletics track, an indoor swimming pool, and a professional theatre.

As Headteacher, you will be warmly supported by the Senior Leadership Team, the Local Governing Body, the CEO and CoCEO of the Trust, and the Trust Board itself. You will have the freedom to shape the next phase of the school's development while being part of a wider network that thrives on collaboration and shared ambition.

If you are an inspiring, ambitious leader with the creativity, moral purpose and drive to make a lasting impact, we would be delighted to hear from you. Prospective applicants are warmly invited to visit the school. Visits may be arranged through Lesley Dunkley or Penny Powell and further information, including the application pack, can be found on our website. If the tour dates and times are not suitable, please contact the school to see if an alternative can be found.

For further details please visit https://sandringham.herts.sch.uk/

Closing Date for applications: Friday 16th January 2026 at 9am

Interview Date: Thursday 29th and Friday 30th January 2026

Ambition Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to a post at AET is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, as well as other pre-appointment checks including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We are committed to the aim of ensuring that everyone who applies to work for us receives fair treatment and we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership and caring status. We expect all our staff to demonstrate a commitment to advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations.