Why join us?

Heron Hall Academy is an ambitious, eight-form entry mixed secondary school and a proud part of North Star Community Trust, a family of schools built on the belief that we are Stronger Together. The Trust plays a vital role in the communities it serves, creating real, lasting change through education, opportunity and support.

At Heron Hall, we are united by a clear moral purpose: to ensure every child succeeds at school and in life. Our values of Education, Community and Opportunity are not slogans , they shape our culture, our expectations and our daily practice. Every pupil is known, supported and challenged to achieve their very best. There is a strong sense of pride and purpose at Heron Hall. Our inclusive ethos, high expectations and commitment to excellence ensure that all pupils are inspired to thrive academically and personally. We believe in every child and together with the Trust, we help them believe in themselves.

About the role

We are seeking is an exceptional Headteacher to lead the next phase of its improvement journey. This is a pivotal leadership role in a richly diverse 11–18 academy serving a high-challenge community, with a clear mandate: to secure consistently high-quality education for every pupil. 

Heron Hall serves a community of significant diversity, reflecting a broad range of cultures, languages and lived experiences. The successful candidate will lead with cultural intelligence, a strong commitment to equity and the professional expertise required to accelerate outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those facing additional barriers to learning.

This role requires substantial senior leadership experience within a secondary school or academy, including a proven track record of raising standards and leading sustained improvement in complex contexts. You will bring:

• A clear and ambitious vision for educational excellence

• Strong strategic leadership and the ability to deliver measurable impact

• Expertise in curriculum development and evidence-informed teaching

• A relentless commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil achievement

• The ability to build a high-performing, values-driven staff culture

The Trust recognises that meaningful improvement requires clarity and focus. The successful Headteacher will be supported to prioritise a small number of non-negotiable improvement drivers that will secure rapid and sustainable progress.

This is a headship for a leader who will focus relentlessly on what truly matters — excellent teaching, a strong curriculum, high standards of behaviour and a culture where every pupil succeeds — providing visible, decisive leadership to accelerate improvement and secure consistently high standards, fully supported by the Trust.

What we offer

North Star Community Trust is committed to partnership, not isolation. The Headteacher will receive active strategic support from the CEO and Trust School Improvement Team, clear improvement priorities and strong backing in securing high standards and leading change. We are committed to providing a supportive, professionally rewarding environment, with access to high-quality leadership development, continuous professional growth and a competitive remuneration and pension package commensurate with the seniority of the role.

Apply now to lead Heron Hall Academy into its next phase of success.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the vacancy may close early.

We do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted via My New Term.

Safeguarding statement

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. As part of our recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to undergo safer recruitment checks, including enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and any other pre-employment checks relevant to their role.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive working culture that reflects our Trust's ethos of being ‘Stronger Together.’ The Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. It aims to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

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