Headteacher

Bournemouth School, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9PY

28 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  1 January 2027

• Closing date

  11 March 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  11 February 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: £113,646 - £131,578 Annually (Actual) (L33-L39)

What skills and experience we're looking for

ESSENTIAL

• Qualified teacher status
• Degree
• Recent, relevant professional development
• Successful senior leadership and management experience in a secondary school
• Successful track record of improving student outcomes (as an individual and as a leader)
• Involvement in school self-evaluation and development planning and leading whole-school initiatives
• Demonstrable experience of successful line management and staff development
• Understanding of high-quality teaching based on evidence, and the ability to model this for others and support others to improve
• Data analysis skills, and the ability to use data to set targets and identify weaknesses
• Understanding of school finances and financial management
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate a vision and inspire others
• Ability to build effective working relationships with trustees, parents and the wider community
• Commitment to uphold the seven principles of public life (the Nolan principles) at all times
• A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Commitment to safeguarding and equality

DESIRABLE

• National professional qualification for headship (NPQH)
• Experience in working across schools to raise standards
• Experience in selective education
• Experience of working with trustees at a strategic level
• Experience of supporting middle leaders in effecting improvements in student outcomes and resolving staffing issues

What the school offers its staff

Bournemouth School is a fantastic place to work. The school’s atmosphere is calm and purposeful, and our success is built upon the foundations of hard work, discipline, smart appearance, and, most importantly, respect.

• A welcoming staff and commitment from SLT and Trustees to promote and support staff wellbeing.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering a wide range of support and benefits.
• Able, motivated and polite students who are a privilege to teach.
• Extensive CPD programme (for ECTs and experienced staff) to support individual professional development.
• Teacher pension scheme.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

For January 2027

Bournemouth School is an 11–18 selective grammar school for boys, with a co-educational sixth form. Established in 1901 and converted to academy status in 2011, the school serves Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. In February 2024, Bournemouth School was judged “Outstanding” - a testament to the quality of teaching, leadership, and the success of our students.

Over the last 16 or so years, our current Headteacher has led the school through two Ofsted inspections, and secured more than £10m of investment into our facilities and infrastructure. With students having achieved the best-ever GCSE outcomes in 2025, he has now decided it is time to retire.

We are looking to recruit a strategic, dynamic, innovative, passionate and proven leader to lead Bournemouth School on the next stage of its journey. This could be an existing and experienced Headteacher or a talented and ambitious Deputy Headteacher who is looking for their next challenge. You will work alongside dedicated staff, motivated students, and a supportive board of trustees, all committed to sustaining excellence and inclusion.

As Headteacher,

• You will be a visible and approachable leader who inspires confidence and fosters collaboration.
• You will articulate a clear and ambitious vision, strengthen our high academic standards, and champion staff well-being.
• Transparency and openness will underpin your leadership, encouraging constructive dialogue and innovation.
• You will shape a broad, challenging and inclusive curriculum that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond, while promoting creativity and adaptability for a rapidly changing world.
• You will manage resources responsibly, lead strategic improvement, and strengthen partnerships with parents and the wider community.

This is an opportunity to influence lives, lead with courage and clarity, and shape a future where students thrive as confident leaders in a changing world.

For more information visit www.bournemouth-school.org

Please apply using the standard online application form. CVs will not be considered.

Should you need support, please contact recruitment@bournemouth-school.org

Applications must arrive by 9 am on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Shortlisted applicants will be informed by Friday 13 March.

Interviews will be held on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 March.

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK. Visas cannot be sponsored.

To arrange a visit to Bournemouth School, please contact recruitment@bournemouth-school.org. The school will accommodate visits from prospective applicants from Monday 23 February until Wednesday 4 March.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Appointment to this post is subject to an 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 (September 2025).

To help us meet our high standards and aspirations of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace, we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply and to join us.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Bournemouth School

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1284 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Bournemouth School website
• Email address: recruitment@bournemouth-school.org
• Phone number: 01202 512609
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/bournemouth-school-bournemouth

Bournemouth School, founded in 1901, is an over-subscribed grammar school serving Bournemouth and the surrounding area. As a stand-alone academy we set our own priorities - and we choose to focus our efforts upon improving the quality of teaching and learning, and raising student attainment across the curriculum. We enjoy an excellent local reputation, the support of parents and the community, and talented and dedicated staff, both at the chalk face and behind the scenes. Most important of all, we benefit from an able and receptive student body that never fails to impress and surprise.

In February 2024 we were graded outstanding in all areas by OFSTED. However we have not rested on our laurels and are constantly seeking ways to improve all aspects of our provision.

We are proud of our traditions and our heritage but also acutely aware of our responsibility to nurture, inspire and prepare our students to take their places as leaders and innovators in a rapidly changing world.

We strive to ensure that every student reaches their full potential and enjoys learning. At the same time, we appreciate the importance of giving our students the broadest possible range of opportunities outside the classroom and encouraging them to develop their sporting, artistic and creative talents. Throughout all aspects of our work are embedded our core values of hard work, discipline, smart appearance and respect. We encourage our students to contribute positively to their own community and beyond.

Arranging a visit to Bournemouth School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@bournemouth-school.org.

School location

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