Headteacher
| Posting date: | 24 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 May 2026 |
| Location: | Chard, Somerset, TA20 1JL |
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 061b3f9d-52ea-4b9b-a3c8-6a33b5795410 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
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.
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) - ldriscoll@holyrood.bep.ac
We also welcome prospective candidates to book a virtual meeting or phone call with Chris Ellison, Director of Secondary Education, by contacting Paula Gibson on gibsonp@bep.ac
What the school offers its staff
The benefits a working in the Blackdown Education Partnership (BEP) will be a source of support and opportunity. Collaboration and a shared sense of purpose is evident across the Trust. Strong professional relationships are at the core of what we do.
We can offer you: An opportunity to work in an experienced and supportive team from whom you can learn, develop and grow. A friendly, busy and dynamic workplace where each day is different from the last. A competitive salary. Wider opportunities to be involved across our Trust. An energised and professional working environment.
Further details about the role
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 available at www.bep.ac/vacancies and include evidence of 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 12th May 2026
Interviews Monday 18th or Tuesday 19th May 2026 – Holyrood Academy
Wednesday 20th May 2026 -BEP Trust Offices, Orchard Grove Primary School
Commitment to safeguarding
Blackdown Education Partnership and Holyrood Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is our most important responsibility as a school. Happy and healthy students who are free from harm, are more likely to be successful throughout their education and thrive on their journey towards adulthood. As part of our due diligence process when shortlisting, we may carry out an online search of publicly available material to identify any incidents or issues which we might want to explore with the applicant at interview.
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.
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) - ldriscoll@holyrood.bep.ac
We also welcome prospective candidates to book a virtual meeting or phone call with Chris Ellison, Director of Secondary Education, by contacting Paula Gibson on gibsonp@bep.ac
What the school offers its staff
The benefits a working in the Blackdown Education Partnership (BEP) will be a source of support and opportunity. Collaboration and a shared sense of purpose is evident across the Trust. Strong professional relationships are at the core of what we do.
We can offer you: An opportunity to work in an experienced and supportive team from whom you can learn, develop and grow. A friendly, busy and dynamic workplace where each day is different from the last. A competitive salary. Wider opportunities to be involved across our Trust. An energised and professional working environment.
Further details about the role
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 available at www.bep.ac/vacancies and include evidence of 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 12th May 2026
Interviews Monday 18th or Tuesday 19th May 2026 – Holyrood Academy
Wednesday 20th May 2026 -BEP Trust Offices, Orchard Grove Primary School
Commitment to safeguarding
Blackdown Education Partnership and Holyrood Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is our most important responsibility as a school. Happy and healthy students who are free from harm, are more likely to be successful throughout their education and thrive on their journey towards adulthood. As part of our due diligence process when shortlisting, we may carry out an online search of publicly available material to identify any incidents or issues which we might want to explore with the applicant at interview.