Headteacher

Goldington Green Academy, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 0DP

15 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2026 ideally

• Closing date

  23 September 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  8 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £89,842.00 - £104,059.00 Annually (Actual) L22 - L28

Headteacher job summary

Goldington Green Academy is a 2-11 primary in Bedford with warm, capable children, kind and committed staff, and a community that deserves the best, not just ‘good enough’. We are looking for a Headteacher who sees that as an opportunity to make a real impact.

Bedford is 40 minutes to London by train, with strong A1/M1 links. The school has 576 pupils aged 2-11, this includes a nursery and a 12 place specialist autism provision. Salary is within the range of L22-L28 and the Trust would like the new Headteacher to start in January 2027, ideally. The Interim Headteacher is a senior Trust leader and there is an opportunity to work closely with her initially, should you want to work in this way.

The challenge. Since joining HEART Academies Trust, real investment has gone into this school: safeguarding, SEND, attendance, curriculum and systems. The foundations are being laid, but what the school now needs is strategic leadership: consistent expectations, sharper teaching, and the accountability that turns good intentions into strong outcomes. Your first year is about the quality of teaching and rebuilding the school's reputation in Goldington. At the two year mark in-post, the Trust would like to see improvements in attainment above national and a consistently full two-form entry.

What we're looking for. An outstanding practitioner, first and foremost: someone who can model excellent teaching to others and is as confident in their up-to-date teaching practice as they are with their leadership skills. You are the kind of Head who likes to be visible on the gate every morning and can remember (almost) every child's name. You will hold high standards and have the difficult conversations, always explaining the why. You will be the Designated Safeguarding Lead, bring strong SEND knowledge (enough to interrogate provision, not simply other specialists in school), and understand EYFS properly.

You may be an established Headteacher or a genuinely ambitious Deputy ready for your first headship. We are open to wildcards with the substance to back it up.

What we offer. HEART is a six-school Bedford trust with a track record of turning schools around. Our Heads lead their own schools (we are not a ‘cookie-cutter’ Trust) but you will never do it alone. Weekly open forums with the Executive team and fellow Heads, a Deputy CEO regularly based on site, a primary improvement lead, and Trust-wide SEND and attendance specialists. Our central team is genuinely active, so this role is unlikely to suit a leader who prefers to control every operational detail.

Informal, confidential conversations with David Morris, CEO, are warmly welcomed before you apply. Contact Alpha Parish at Academicis for an initial confidential discussion. aparish@academicis.co.uk 07436 971517

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.

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 may be 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

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.

About Goldington Green Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 2 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 576 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 2 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Goldington Green Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/goldington-green-academy

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