Head of School

About the job

Key information

• Salary: Leadership Scale L1–L3, dependent on experience
• Contract: Permanent, full time
• Start date: Easter 2027 or earlier if possible
• Teaching commitment: Key Stage 2, with timetabled leadership time
• Closing date: Monday 16 November 2026 at 9.00am
• Interview date: w/c 23 November 2026

The Academies for Character and Excellence (ACE) is seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead Baltonsborough Church of England Primary School from either January 2027 or Easter 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and highly effective primary practitioner who is ready to take the next step in school leadership. As the recognised, front-facing leader of the school, you will provide clear day-to-day leadership, build strong relationships with pupils, staff, families and the wider community, and help every child to flourish academically and personally.

Baltonsborough is part of ACE, a growing family of Church of England and community primary schools across Somerset and Devon. Our mission is to achieve excellence through cultivating character, sharing talents and pursuing innovation. We value the distinctive
character of each school while providing the support, expertise and collaborative opportunities of a wider Trust.

What will I be doing?

Reporting to the Executive Headteacher, the Head of School will provide strategic and operational leadership in line with the vision, values and Christian ethos of the school.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Headteacher and Trust teams, you will:

• be the visible and trusted leader of the school, engaging positively with pupils, staff, parents and community partners;
• lead the effective day-to-day running of the school, ensuring it operates safely, efficiently and in line with statutory requirements;
• promote consistently high standards of teaching, learning and pupil achievement across all classes;
• teach in Key Stage 2 and model excellent classroom practice, with protected leadership time each week;
• develop teachers and support staff through clear expectations, professional dialogue, coaching and performance management;
• use evidence, evaluation and pupil information intelligently to identify priorities, close gaps and secure improvement;
• champion ambitious, inclusive provision for all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities;
• serve as Designated Safeguarding Lead and sustain a strong, timely and child-centred safeguarding culture;
• promote high expectations for behaviour, attendance, personal development and wellbeing; and
• strengthen productive partnerships with parents, the local community and the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We are looking for a leader who:

• is an excellent and reflective primary teacher with a strong record of improving provision and pupil outcomes;
• has successful leadership experience and is ready to take responsibility for the day to-day leadership of a school;
• combines high expectations with warmth, integrity and care;
• can inspire, motivate, support and challenge colleagues;
• understands how to translate a clear vision into effective action and sustained improvement;
• is committed to equity, inclusion and removing barriers to learning;
• communicates confidently and builds trusted relationships with pupils, staff, families and partners;
• is organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities; and
• shares the ACE mission, values and commitment to character education.

What is in it for me?

You will join a supportive school and Trust community that is ambitious for its pupils, staff and communities. We offer:

• the opportunity to shape the next stage of Baltonsborough Primary School’s development;
• a close professional partnership with the Executive Headteacher and senior Trust leaders;
• protected leadership time alongside your Key Stage 2 teaching commitment;
• high-quality professional development, bespoke coaching and leadership support;
• access to Trust-wide networks, expertise and collaborative working opportunities;
• clear opportunities to develop your talents and contribute beyond your own school;
  and
• a values-led culture in which colleagues are supported to grow and flourish.

Supporting documents and information

Safeguarding and recruitment

The Academies for Character and Excellence is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all required safer-recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and identity, and any other checks relevant to the post. References will be sought before interview, and an online search will be undertaken for shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence process.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates who share our commitment to equality, inclusion and the flourishing of every child.

Visits and how to apply

Visits to the school are encouraged. To arrange a visit or an informal conversation about the role, please contact Jon Coe at jon.coe@acexcellence.co.uk or on 07712 678906.

Further information, including the full job description, person specification and application form, is available in the recruitment pack.

Please complete the application form and return it to recruitment@acexcellence.co.uk by 9.00am on Monday 16 November 2026.

Interviews will take place w/c 23 November 2026.

Apply now