What skills and experience we're looking for
What does great leadership look like when the foundations are already strong?
We are looking for a leader who will embrace everything that makes Whitehill special while bringing fresh perspective and energy to help us grow. Our school is a happy, high-performing community with strong foundations. What we need now is someone who can build on that success and guide us through the next chapter with confidence and care.
Our new headteacher will understand the importance of relationships. Our pupils thrive because they feel supported, and staff flourish because they are trusted and valued. We want a leader who will invest time in getting to know our team, our families, and our community, and who will maintain the culture of openness and collaboration that defines us.
You will need to be thoughtful and considered in your approach to change. We are proud of our ethos and achievements, but while we value continuity, we welcome innovation. The right person will ask questions, listen carefully, and make decisions that respect our strengths while identifying opportunities for improvement.
Strategic thinking will be essential. Falling pupil numbers across the area mean we must continue to strengthen our links with our feeder school and maintain our position as a school of choice. You will need to balance ambition with pragmatism, ensuring financial sustainability while protecting the things that matter most - our ethos, our staff wellbeing, and the quality of education we provide.
We are looking for someone who is positive and resilient. Education is challenging, and we need a leader who can inspire confidence, maintain morale, and keep our community focused on what matters: happy children, happy teachers, and great learning.
What the school offers its staff
Joining Whitehill means stepping into a school with strong foundations, and a culture that makes people want to stay. You will inherit a highly experienced and committed team, a supportive governing body, and a community that values its school. This is a school where relationships matter and where collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.
For those stepping up into headship, we can provide access to HFL Education’s New to Headship Programme, which offers a network of peers to share ideas and support, along with structured training on strategic leadership, school improvement, and operational management.
Professional growth is part of our DNA. Many of our staff have completed NPQ qualifications, and we actively encourage leadership development at all levels. You will find a senior team that is capable, trusted, and ready to work with you to shape the next chapter.
Our school is in good financial health, and while budgets are tight everywhere, we have a clear plan for sustainability. We also have strong links with our feeder school, Highbury Infant School, and a shared PTA that brings families together and supports enrichment opportunities.
Above all, we offer a school that is secure, purposeful, and well positioned for continued improvement, supported by a team that is committed to working with you. Our pupils enjoy learning and our staff take pride in what they do. This is an opportunity to lead a school that values collaboration and continuous improvement, and to do so with the support of a dedicated team and engaged community.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.