Headteacher

An exciting opportunity to lead, inspire and shape the future of Larkmead! This is a unique opportunity to work in partnership with the existing Headteacher, sharing the leadership of Larkmead and providing increased capacity for strategic school improvement, while also taking a leading role in the day-to-day operational leadership of the school. Larkmead is a 6FE secondary school with a growing Sixth Form, situated in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The school has been judged Good by Ofsted in three successive inspections, most recently in March 2024, and is now embarking on the next stage of its improvement journey, with the ambition to move closer to Strong. Our ethos is simple but powerful: One community. Individual minds. Creating futures. We are a happy, inclusive and aspirational school where every student matters. We combine high expectations with strong pastoral care, positive relationships and a commitment to ensuring every young person can achieve their full potential. The opportunity As Co-Headteacher, you will work alongside the existing Headteacher to provide inspirational leadership and clear strategic direction across the school. You will have particular responsibility for operational school leadership, behaviour, teaching and learning, Sixth Form, staff recruitment and wellbeing, while sharing the school's strategic vision, curriculum development and financial strategy with your Co-Headteacher. The co-headship model provides additional leadership capacity to: Drive deep and sustained school improvement Strengthen leadership through coaching, support and challenge Further develop teaching and learning and improve outcomes for all students Strengthen behaviour, inclusion and safeguarding Develop staff and future leaders Engage with research and outstanding practice Build strong partnerships across Cambrian Learning Trust and the wider community Further establish Larkmead as a leading secondary school within the Trust We are looking for a leader who is strategic, inspirational, resilient and collaborative, with a proven track record of improving behaviour, inclusion and outcomes. You will have the vision and determination to lead effectively in a dynamic environment while ensuring that every student and every member of staff can be their best. About you You will be an experienced school leader with: A clear moral purpose and an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for every student Strong knowledge and experience of effective behaviour and inclusion systems A proven ability to drive school improvement and raise standards Strong safeguarding knowledge and a commitment to creating a safe, calm and purposeful school Excellent people-management and communication skills The ability to develop, challenge and inspire staff A strong understanding of teaching, learning and curriculum development Strategic thinking combined with the ability to lead effectively at an operational level A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion The creativity, courage and resilience to lead positive change Above all, you will share our belief that every young person can achieve great things and that everyone within our school community should feel valued, supported and encouraged to grow. Why Larkmead? Larkmead is a special place to work. We are an oversubscribed school with a strong reputation in our community and a culture built around mutual respect, ambition and collaboration. Staff benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, wellbeing and career progression. As part of Cambrian Learning Trust, you will also benefit from working within a highly collaborative network of schools, with access to Trust-wide expertise, professional development and school improvement support. The Trust comprises schools across South Oxfordshire and promotes both school autonomy and extensive collaboration. Come and meet us If you would like to visit the school or discuss any aspect of this Candidate Pack or application process then please contact Cambrian Learning Trust Recruitment on 01367 240375 or by emailing recruitment@cambrianlt.org Visits are actively encouraged. Should you wish to informally discuss the role, then please contact Richard Evans on 01367 240375 or email: revans@cambrianlt.org Cambrian Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Check. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches for publicly available information. Cambrian Learning Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from a range of backgrounds to represent diversity in line with our schools’ communities.