Headteacher
Closing in 19 days (12 May 2026 12:00 pm)
Job details
Salary: Leadership scale 33-39
Employer: Holyrood Academy
Location: Chard, Somerset,
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full time
Closing date: 12 May 2026 12:00 pm
About the job
Key information
Full time, Permanent
Leadership scale 33-39 (£113,646 – £131, 578)
Start Date: January 2027 or sooner if possible
What will I be doing?
Trailblazer wanted
This is a unique opportunity to be both a school and community leader. Holyrood Academy is a nationally acclaimed and innovative school which is transforming the life chances of children across the town of Chard. We are currently developing an on-site nursery and primary phase which would make Holyrood our first all-through school. This will support the school in delivering its vision for providing for every stage of a child’s education. Through its outreach programme, Holyrood supports families from birth through to University and is a founding member of the Chard Community Hub which has been designated as a Best Start in Life centre for Early Years support.
This headship offers a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of a school and its community. Holyrood Academy is known for its strong community identity and outward facing approach, re-imagining what education can look like when relationships with families and place truly matter. As a lead school in the Cradle-to-Career Accelerator programme, and with proposals to become a 2–18 provision, Holyrood is not simply responding to change but actively shaping it for the children and young people it serves.
We are a Trust of primary and secondary schools across Somerset and Devon. The successful applicant will join a collaborative team of seven secondary headteachers who are united by shared values and who work together to drive improvement across the Trust.
As Headteacher, you will lead an increasingly high-performing school with a strong reputation, ambitious culture and a deep commitment to continuous improvement. Alongside leading the school, the role offers opportunities for system leadership across the community and wider South-West educational landscape.
Supporting documents and information
Please take time to read the whole application pack and any relevant information on the school’s website. We strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit Holyrood Academy before submitting an application, although we recognise this may not be possible for everyone. Dave MacCormick, the current Headteacher is available to show prospective candidates around the school by appointment.
To arrange a visit, please contact Linda Driscoll (Headteacher’s PA). We also welcome prospective candidates to book a virtual meeting or phone call with Chris Ellison, Director of Secondary Education. Please see the recruitment pack for contact details.
CVs are not accepted, please complete the application form in full. If you can meet the requirements of this role, we would love to hear from you. All applications should be made by completing the online application form via E-teach setting out how you meet the person specification for the role. For full details of the role, please see the job description and person specification.
Closing date: Midday Tuesday 12 May 2026
Interviews: Monday 18 or Tuesday 19 May 2026 – Holyrood Academy
Wednesday 20 May 2026 – BEP Trust Offices, Orchard Grove Primary School
