Headteacher at Gosford Hill School

Start Date: 1st January 2027

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Gosford Hill School, part of the River Learning Trust, during a pivotal moment in its history as we take ownership of a new school building in 2028.

The Governing Body is looking to appoint an inspirational, implementation-focused leader who can capitalise on the opportunities afforded by the new build while planning strategically for the future, who is ambitious for all of the students and staff, and who will build on the strong fundamentals already in place as we seek to achieve ever more for the young people in our care.

The successful applicant will be an outstanding leader who will uphold and champion our core values: Responsible, Respectful, and Resilient. These values underpin everything we do and shape our commitment to ensuring that every student feels known, valued and supported

Should you wish to have an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Clare Carpen, Executive Assistant to the CEO, Paul James, on 01865 558727 or via email ccarpen@riverlearningtrust.org.

Prospective candidates are warmly invited to tour the school. Tours are available between the 8th until 18th September 2026. To arrange a visit, please contact Nicola Cooke, PA to the Headteacher, on 01865 374971 or jobapplications@gosfordhillschool.org.

Please complete the application form and supporting statement via www.MyNewTerm.com. Your supporting statement should explain how your experience to date has prepared you for the role of Headteacher, and how you can demonstrate energetic, impactful leadership — particularly through periods of significant transformation. Please refer closely to the full job description and person specification, available in the application pack.

If you are interested in the post, please complete an application form and supporting statement outlining your reasons for applying and your suitability for the post. The closing date for receipt of applications is  9 am on Monday 21st September 2026, interviews will be held on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th September 2026. 

Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.

OUR VISION is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together.

OUR ‘WHY?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils.

OUR ‘HOW?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles.

Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive  continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.

This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. 

The River Learning Trust and Gosford Hill School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism.   The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

For all RLT Safer Recruitment Documentation candidates should click on the following link RLT Safer Recruitment Documents for Candidates. Please see our website for up to date policies including our Child Protection and Behaviour Policies. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. For further guidance for applicants click on this link List of offences that are not filtered