Headteacher of Didcot Girls’ School

The Role:

We seek to appoint a dynamic and ambitious leader who is excited by the opportunity to lead an outstanding school in a thriving Trust. We welcome applications from men and women who are committed to girls’ education. Working with the Chief Executive Officer, and as a member of the RET Education Board, you will share our vision for an inclusive school with exceptionally high standards.  You will develop our strong and distinctive ethos as an all-girls’ school with superb teaching and learning, impeccable behaviour based on mutual respect, and a vibrant extra-curricular programme.  You will see the huge potential of leading an outstanding school with a large mixed sixth form and a close relationship with the other Trust schools. Our aspiration is to be a national centre of excellence for all girls’ education, and we seek someone with a similar passion and belief in what we can achieve. There are exciting opportunities for the successful candidate’s professional development, working within this vibrant and collaborative partnership.

We are looking to appoint a leader who has:

• the drive and ambition to continue to move the school forward and manage change effectively whilst realising a compelling vision for the future;
• a passion for learning that creates the best environment for fulfilling outcomes and ensuring that all young people achieve their full potential;
• the ability to realise and release the potential of all staff and students at the school and to continually invest in their development;
• the character and skills to work collaboratively and effectively with all stakeholders, both within and outside the Trust, engaging successfully with the rich science and business community in Didcot and the surrounding area;
• a strong grasp of strategic planning and an understanding of financial management.

We Offer the opportunity:

• to shape the future of a school with a distinctive all girls’ context and a large mixed sixth form in a successful 3-19 Trust which serves a diverse community;
• to work with a motivated team of supportive and committed staff who passionately believe that every child matters;
• to benefit from excellent support from the Trust’s central team with finance, HR, premises, IT, catering and governance;  
• for continued professional development through close mentoring and support from the Chief Executive Officer.

11-18 School: 1639 students on roll including 244 girls in the Sixth Form.

Visits to the school:  

Visits to the school prior to application are encouraged and can be arranged via Fionna Blessing, PA to CEO on  fblessing@ridgewayeducation.com. Applications from candidates interested in flexible models of school leadership – such as co-headship or job share - are welcomed

The School

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged as continuing to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:

“Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.”

Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.”

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration.

We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.

Summer 2025 GCSE results were superb with 87% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 72% doing the same at 5+.  Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 35% of grades awarded as A* or A and 65% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county.  

Employing great staff is key to the success of our school: the Headteacher is actively involved in every interview process.  

We understand that valuing and developing our staff is the best way to release and realise their potential. In return, we seek staff who are passionate about working with young people, resilient, and with a truly growth mindset. If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you!  

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.  

RET – Ridgeway Education Trust

As a member of Ridgeway Education Trust, Didcot Girls’ School works in close partnership with St Birinus School. The two schools share a 400 strong mixed Didcot Sixth Form (which is based predominantly at St Birinus).  

Ridgeway Education Trust (RET) is based in south Oxfordshire and currently comprises eight secondary and primary schools and a SCITT, serving over 4,400 pupils and their communities. Guided by our core values of integrity, ambition and leading for legacy, we are committed to delivering excellence through high quality education with powerful collaboration at its heart. 

Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks.  All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check.  The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.  

To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: https://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/265/school-policies

 Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced. 

Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.

We are committed to expressing our values of high-quality learning, respectful relationships and an inclusive environment in the day-to-day experience of staff and students throughout the school.

Didot Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer.