Head of School

Job Title: Head of School

Contract : Permanent

Actual Salary: L13 – L17 (£69,596 - £76,772)

Start Date : September 2026

A unique opportunity to support a Senior Principal in leading a primary academy at the heart of a South Bristol community.

We are looking for an inspiring, forward-thinking leader with vision, resilience and a strong commitment to learning. Woodlands Academy is seeking a Head of School to join its senior leadership team and play a key role in a developing leadership structure, helping to drive excellence, equity and continuous improvement.

Woodlands Academy educates children across the primary age range and is proud to be part of the Cabot Learning Federation, a trust known for its collaborative ethos and dedication to high-quality education. The school benefits from a committed, enthusiastic staff team who work tirelessly to ensure all pupils are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.

Working in close partnership with the Senior Principal and wider leadership team, the Head of School will take a central role in both the strategic direction and day-to-day running of the academy. You will build on current strengths while leading key priorities that enhance teaching, learning and curriculum development.

The successful candidate will be a confident communicator, able to develop strong, positive relationships with staff, pupils and families. You will bring energy, resilience and strategic clarity, along with a strong commitment to equality, collaboration and ongoing professional development. In doing so, you will help ensure Woodlands Academy continues to deliver an exceptional, inclusive education for its entire community.

Why CLF?

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters. We particularly encourage applicants from those groups in order to represent the students we serve, as well as wider underrepresented groups including gender, transgender, age disability, sexual orientation or religion.

What we can offer you:

Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Comprehensive induction and ongoing support for career development and wellbeing.

Sector-leading professional development entitlement and opportunities.

Collaboration with colleagues across the trust through subject communities and specialist networks.

Shared CLF curriculum, written and curated by trust experts, reducin