13 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    September 2026 or January 2027

  • Closing date

    14 May 2026 at 9am

  • Date listed

    1 May 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Headteacher

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

£103,030.00 - £119,350.00 Annually (Actual) L29-L35

Headteacher job summary

HEADTEACHER - The Highfield School, Letchworth Garden City


L29-L35


Required for September 2026 or January 2027

The Scholars’ Education Trust is looking to appoint an inspirational leader for The Highfield School, as the school continues its mission to deliver the highest possible quality of education for the young people in its care. We are seeking an experienced leader, with a passion for ensuring that nothing is impossible if it enables students to achieve their very best. This is a rare opportunity for the right candidate to take the school forward to the next stage of its development.

OFSTED inspected the Academy in May 2023 and judged the school to be GOOD and inspectors noted that “Leaders at The Highfield School are caring and have high expectations.”

The Highfield School is an ambitious 11-18 comprehensive school, where all are encouraged to achieve their full potential. We have an excellent reputation both academically and pastorally and we firmly believe that all our students are entitled to a curriculum that is innovative, relevant and accessible for all. Whilst there is a great emphasis on English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Languages, this is balanced by a promotion of, and dedication to, the arts and creativity both in our taught and wider curricular offer.

The school has a clear vision and ethos which has led to good results and is a popular parental choice in the local area. Key to that success is a relentless focus on high quality teaching and learning and a flexible and innovative curriculum enabling learners to follow individualised pathways to suit their abilities and aspirations.

The successful candidate will have an expert knowledge of the latest pedagogical developments coupled with a track record of innovation and improvement. They will also have the interpersonal and leadership skills to bring together stakeholders to support all students in fulfilling their potential. To help them deliver this vision, they will have the support of the wider Scholars’ Education Trust of which Highfield School has been a valued member since 2024.

If you are looking for the next challenge in your teaching career, we would love to hear from you. For more information about the school, the trust and the role, please see the Headteacher pack, with job description and personal specification attached.

A tour of the school and/or a conversation about the role can be arranged, please contact HR on the above email or call 01727 734424 to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Closing date: 9am 14th May 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 18th May 2026

Diversity: Scholars’ Education Trust is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We want to attract and retain the very best staff in all areas of the trust, ensuring our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community.

Declaration of criminal offences: The trust is required to give you the opportunity to voluntarily declare convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not ‘protected’ as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020). You will be provided with a criminal self-declaration form by the school if you are shortlisted for the post. All posts in schools are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If you are appointed you will be required to have an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate. The existence of a criminal background does not automatically mean that you cannot be appointed but it may do so.

Equal Opportunity: Scholars’ Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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.

View advert on external website (opens in new tab)

About The Highfield School

School type
Academy, ages 11 to 18
Education phase
Secondary school
School size
978 pupils enrolled
Age range
11 to 18
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report

School location

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