7 days remaining to apply

  • Job start date

    1 September 2025

  • Closing date

    21 March 2025 at 12pm (midday)

  • Date listed

    13 February 2025

Job details

Job role

  • Headteacher

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Key stage

Key stage 3, Key stage 4

Working pattern

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Pay scale

L29-L36

What skills and experience we're looking for

HASSOCKS

West Sussex

BN6 8LP

11 – 16 Mixed Comprehensive

Number on roll: 1,260

Group: Group 7

Required for September 2025

HEADTEACHER Salary Range L29 – L36 (£99,067 - £117,601)

A rare opportunity to recruit a talented, enthusiastic and energetic leader to join our highly successful school as Headteacher has arisen due to retirement. The school is situated at the foot of the beautiful South Downs. Downlands Community School has a reputation for excellent academic results, extra-curricular activities, outstanding pastoral care and is totally committed to inclusion.

The school provides an ambitious curriculum that nurtures learners to develop the skills to lead fulfilling lives and participate fully in society. We are committed to putting diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do for everyone in our community.

We strive to recruit, retain and advance people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented amongst school leaders.

The Governors are committed to appointing an inspirational leader to continue the school’s successful journey.

Candidates should therefore:

o Be a creative and strategic thinker who ensures that learning is central to the life of the school

o Be able to lead and inspire a highly committed and talented staff team

o Demonstrate strong evidence of preparation for the challenge of the post

o Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills

o Be able to challenge existing practices in a drive for continuous improvement

o Be committed to developing the school ethos, vision and values

o Have good financial/budgetary experience

We look forward to meeting you and receiving your application.

What the school offers its staff

Please refer to Application Pack.

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.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment are subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs are not accepted.

Visas cannot be sponsored.
How to apply
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

About Downlands Community School

School type
Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 16
Education phase
Secondary
School size
1255 pupils enrolled
Age range
11 to 16
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report
Phone number
01273 847734

Downlands Community School is a thriving, 11-16, mixed, Local Authority, comprehensive school, set in a beautiful location at the foot of the South Downs and only 6 miles north of Brighton with an enviable reputation for success with pupils of all abilities and from all social backgrounds.

Downlands is a very inclusive school and we are proud of the pastoral support and guidance we are able to offer our young people.

Arranging a visit to Downlands Community School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email htapplications@downlands.org.

School location

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