Executive Headteacher of Small Schools

We are seeking to appoint an experienced, inspirational leader to develop the ACE Small

schools group on the Somerset border. Comprising five village schools, each with between

20 and 80 pupils, every school sits at the heart of its community while working in partnership

to provide exceptional experiences for their pupils. The Executive Head will oversee the

school lead teachers and directly manage a small cross-group team that provides support

in areas such as SEND, safeguarding and other shared functions. This role offers a significant

opportunity for innovation, enabling the development of approaches that allow small schools

and their pupils to flourish at the centre of their communities.

Job Purpose To ensure that all five schools in the group are providing excellent provision for all pupils through

developing high-quality leadership at all levels. The Executive Headteacher will provide strategic

leadership across the schools ensuring that Trust improvement plans are fully implemented.

The Executive Headteacher, along with the Assistant Executive Head, will develop strong pedagogy,

leadership development, safeguarding and a culture that reflects the ACE curriculum and values. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategy and Improvement • Analyse changes in the educational

landscape and incorporate findings into

improvement planning. • Lead whole school change using research and

established models of improvement. • Promote the excellence approach through

reflection, coaching and collaboration. • Maximise opportunities for cross school

collaborative working. 2. Pedagogy and Curriculum Excellence • Lead and develop high quality teaching

across the five schools using national and

international evidence. • Ensure ACE curriculum and pedagogy integrates

knowledge, character and metacognition • Support ongoing development of the

ACE curriculum. • Strengthen teaching through coaching,

mentoring and modelling practice.

Also: • Ensure all pupils achieve well, including SEND,

disadvantaged, EAL and the most able. • Ensure statutory responsibilities (Equality Act,

SEND reporting) are met. • Evaluate provision for vulnerable pupils. 3. Leading with Impact • Distribute leadership effectively and

work collaboratively with the Assistant

Executive Head. • Adapt leadership approaches to different

contexts and stakeholders. • Communicate clearly to secure progress. • Use stakeholder perspectives to inform decisions. 4. Working in Partnership • Strengthen partnership working between the five

schools and a single Local Advocate Board. • Work with clergy and diocesan partners across

the Church of England schools. • Share expertise with other ACE schools. • Build external partnerships to enhance provision. 5. Increasing Capability • Hold staff to account through clear culture

of excellence and Individual Personal

Aspiration plans • Promote professio