Headteacher
The Castle School, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS35 1HT30 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
20 April 2026 at 9am
Date listed
20 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- L30 £105,595 - L36 £122,306
Headteacher job summary
Contract type: Permanent
FTE: 1.00 FTE
Leadership Range: L30 £105,595 - L36 £122,306
Location: The Castle School, Park Road, Thornbury, Bristol. BS35 1HT
Closing date: Monday 20th April 2026 at 9am
Interview dates: TBC
Proposed Start Date: 1st September 2026
Are you an experienced, impactful leader ready to raise standards and deliver a great education for every child?
Following the current headteacher taking up a second headship within our trust, we have a vacancy for an aspirational Headteacher to lead The Castle School from September 2026. This role is equally suited to an experienced Headteacher who is motivated by the chance to shape the next chapter of a well established school, or an ambitious leader ready to step into their first Headship.
About the role
As the Headteacher of The Castle School, you will provide proactive and innovative leadership to steer the school’s strategic direction and maintain its commitment to excellence. Reporting to the Director of Secondary Schools, you will be responsible for all aspects of school improvement, ensuring that our mission is clearly articulated, shared, and realised by the entire school community.
You will work collaboratively with a knowledgeable Senior Leadership Team and other Headteachers across our trust to contribute to the broader trust agenda and foster a culture of shared values. Central to this role is the promotion of an inclusive, high-achieving environment where teaching and learning are at the heart of strategic planning.
About you
We are seeking a visionary, resilient leader with a proven track record in secondary education and an exceptional understanding of the evolving educational landscape.
You will be someone who:
- Is a motivational leader who encourages staff and pupils to unlock their unique talents and ambitions
- Has a relentless determination to ensure every child makes significant progress, regardless of their starting point
- Leads with a blend of courage, curiosity and compassion
- Brings energy and an optimistic attitude to the role, demonstrating the tenacity and agility required to deal positively with the pressures of school leadership
- Uses data strategically to drive continuous improvement
- Values that "more is achieved together" and are committed to contribute professionally to the wider goals of the trust
- Communicates confidently and translates complex visions into clear, actionable goals with clearly identified impact
- Shapes coherent improvement plans that translate ambition into sustained, measurable progress
- Empowers colleagues by sharing expertise generously and guiding them through purposeful professional development
About us
At The Castle School, we are proud of our strong track record of academic achievement and pastoral care for our students. Situated in Thornbury we have great transport links with Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and South Gloucestershire.
As part of a family of trust schools, The Castle School currently has 1,426 students and is shaped by our clear values, kindness, fairness and aspiration. This inclusive culture is reflected in our outstanding student conduct, a genuine sense of belonging and an on-site alternative provision that ensures every learner has the support to succeed. We have a thriving Post-16 centre, a committed junior leadership team and a strong track record of supporting our local community.
We can offer you:
- The chance to shape something truly special from strong foundations
- Happy, engaging children who thrive on inspirational leadership
- A supportive trust and school community
- Strong collaboration across the trust family of schools and access to a centralised team of specialists across all areas of school operations
- A commitment to high‑quality CPD, with dedicated time and budget for your development
- A values‑driven ethos where diversity, equity and inclusion are lived every day
- Recognition of continuous service (modification order) to protect employment rights and entitlements
- Teachers’ Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and death‑in‑service cover
- Occupational sick pay to support you during illness or unexpected emergencies
- Family‑friendly leave packages to help maintain a healthy work–life balance
To find out more about The Castle School and our trust, please refer to our candidate recruitment pack attached. We strongly encourage school visits. Full information on arranging a visit or making enquiries about the role can be found in the pack.
In order to apply for this role please complete an application form by 9am, Monday 20th April 2026. The interview will be scheduled over two days, with dates to be confirmed. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the process.
Join us in Providing a Great Education for Every Child
The trust is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
CSET is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful candidates are subject to child protection screening appropriate to the post, which will include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for the children’s workforce and a Children’s Barred List check.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About The Castle School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1449 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Castle School website
Here at The Castle School, situated in the leafy suburbs of Thornbury, we are proud of our strong track record of academic achievement and pastoral care for our students. We are passionate about teaching and learning; our students’ experience of education has a long-lasting impact and prepares them for life beyond school.
At the heart of what we do is our vision to be an exceptional school at the heart of the community where every student has the curiosity, skills and confidence to make the world a better place.
We value kindness, fairness and aspiration and expect that our students and staff will work hard, will be kind and will be respectful to one another.
We’re proud of our vibrant, thriving Sixth Form that continues to demonstrate and sustain academic and vocational success. It is an exciting time to join The Castle School with current building developments taking place, ready for the Sixth Form centre to merge onto the main site. The new Sixth Form centre and facilities will be opening in September 2024 and will include the Business Studies and Economics classrooms.
Following our latest Ofsted inspection in November 2021, we remain a ‘Good’ school. The report said of the Headteacher and Senior Leaders: ‘together they have ensured high standards in pupils’ behaviour. They have gained the confidence of the staff.’
School location
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