Headteacher

Milldown CofE Academy, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7SN

11 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  1st September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter (subject to negotiation)

• Closing date

  21 May 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  29 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £67,898.00 - £78,702.00 Annually (FTE) Leadership Scale 12 - 18

Headteacher job summary

At Milldown we are driven by a clear ambition: to provide the very best educational environment for our children, staff, and parent community. With this purpose at our core, we set exceptionally high expectations for ourselves and for those who join us. We are looking for a new leader who will inspire us as we take the next steps on our journey - we hope you will consider joining us, whether you are a first-time Headteacher, or looking for your next adventure in leadership.

Our team is already rich in talent, collaboration, and potential. When you Milldown, you step into a learning community that embraces innovation, takes thoughtful risks, and celebrates successes—we are always learning. You will meet children and staff who are happy, enthusiastic, and supportive of one another. Our teaching is guided by research-led approaches, helping us focus on what truly matters. Our Christian Values form the foundation of our warm, nurturing environment and are woven into all that we do.

We also recognise that life extends beyond the classroom. Work-life balance matters to us. We encourage staff to experience what our beautiful locality has to offer. Just a short walk away is the leisure centre—perfect for those who enjoy fitness (with reduced rates available). Behind our school lies the tranquil Milldown Nature Reserve, ideal for peaceful walks and relaxation. Altogether, we think it’s a pretty special place to work.

At Milldown CE Academy, we believe every child needs—and deserves—time and attention, and to feel genuinely cared for.

Are you determined, innovative and passionate about leading learning and securing the very best opportunities for children, especially the most disadvantaged?

Do you have the skills and attributes to lead and inspire a team?

Can you commit to being part of a journey to secure excellent outcomes for our young people?

As a Trust, we genuinely value each of our leaders for the gifts they bring to our schools. We provide strong academy improvement support, collaborative professional learning opportunities, and a range of other support services to ensure you can focus on the things that make the biggest difference for our children.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a dynamic vision for the education of all children in a church school context
• Will value the opportunity to enable everyone to flourish within our Christian values
• Has a proven track record of excellent teaching and learning
• Has a wide, current knowledge and understanding of education and curriculum development
• Is an innovator who can lead by example
• Has a desire and commitment to raising standards for every child
• Has excellent interpersonal skills and who wishes to build positive working relationships within our school and community
• Is creative and can embrace change
• Has energy, enthusiasm and passion
• Is able to show reflectiveness and persistence when dealing with complexity
• Places safeguarding at the heart of the school
• Genuinely wants to be part of our future

We can offer:

• Young people who want to thrive
• A team of staff who will value the inspiration you can bring
• A collaborative desire to be the very best we can be
• Opportunities for professional learning
• A governing body that works hard for the school, providing support and appropriate challenge
• A strong and supportive parent body
• A positive, caring school ethos firmly rooted in our Christian values (SIAMS inspection 2022)
• A Trust that offers many opportunities for working together and for collaboration - see the Trust website for further information www.dsat.org.uk

We want our staff to thrive so we offer an extensive range of wellness services and professional learning opportunities to support growth and development. Please visit our website for further details: Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust - Wellness

We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all. If you are interested in this position and would like to have a more detailed conversation before making the decision to apply for the post, please give us a call and we will be happy to help you with as much detail as possible to support this process.

When you have enough information to make your decision to apply, please complete all sections of the application form. CVs will not be accepted.

We would love you to come and visit. Please contact the school office on 01258 452456 or by email office@milldown.dsat.org.uk.

For an informal conversation with our CEO, Mark Lacey or Deputy CEO, Jo Hicks, please contact Nicki Summerill on 01722 548519 or by email nsummerill@dsat.org.uk.

All applicants will be notified of the shortlisting decisions by email. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested before interviews. 

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All applicants will be subject to a number of checks including the Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.

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 Milldown CofE Academy

• School type: Academies, Church of England, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 207 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Milldown CofE Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/milldown-cofe-academy

School location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole