Headteacher at The Cooper School

Expired

Job Reference #

EDV/2025/CS/33467

Location

Churchill Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4RS

Contract Type

Permanent

Contract Term

Full-Time

Salary

£103,030.00 - £118,169.00 Annually (FTE)

Closing Date

12:00pm, 1st Dec 2025

Start Date

September 2026 (or earlier) 

Positions Available

Positions Available 1

Interview Date(s)

8th and 9th December 2025

Interview Date(s) 8th and 9th December 2025

About this Role

The Cooper School are seeking an ambitious, values-led and strategic leader to take our school into the next stage of its development. This is an excellent opportunity for a serving Headteacher, or a successful Deputy Headteacher ready to step into headship. 

We are an inclusive 11–18 school at the heart of the growing community of Bicester. We are proud to serve our town and to work in close partnership with families to ensure every student is known, valued and supported to thrive academically and socially. 

The Cooper School is at a pivotal stage in its journey, seeking a Headteacher with empathy, clarity and drive to lead the next phase of improvement and stability. Supported by the Acer Trust, you will shape a strong leadership team, embed a positive and empowering culture, and secure lasting success for every student. 

As Headteacher at The Cooper School, you will also be a key leader within the Acer Trust, working as part of the Trust Executive Group to shape strategy across five primary and four secondary schools. You will be supported by collaborative colleagues, well-established Trust networks and strong local governance, while retaining the professional scope to lead your school in a way that reflects your vision and expertise. 

Our Strategic Priorities 

Over the next three years, the school will focus on: 

- investing in the professional development of staff at all levels

- improving attainment and progress outcomes for all students

- increasing and sustaining pupil numbers, particularly in our Sixth Form

- strengthening communication and engagement with all stakeholders

You will lead this work, building on clear progress already made, and inspiring staff and students to realise the school’s full potential. 

We are looking for a Headteacher who: 

- leads with integrity, optimism and high expectations

- creates a positive school culture in which students, staff and stakeholders thrive

- places inclusive education and strong safeguarding at the centre of school life

- can motivate, empower and develop others

- is committed to strengthening partnerships with families and the wider community

- can balance strategic vision with practical and effective leadership.

We offer:

- a warm, ambitious and caring school community

- motivated students and committed staff

- a Sixth Form with further potential to grow and flourish

- strong Trust-wide support and professional collaboration

- the opportunity to shape and influence Trust-wide direction through the Trust Executive Group.

Visits and Applications

We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit the school. The CEO, Nathan Thomas, is also happy to offer an informal conversation (in person or online).

Apply via: My New Term

Closing date: 12:00 on Monday 1st December 2025

Interviews: 8th and 9th December 2025

For further information or to arrange a visit please contact our North Hub HR Team: hrnorth@acertrust.org.uk

The Cooper School and the Acer Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism; all staff must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and obtain any other statutorily required clearance. Employment will also be conditional on the receipt of at least two acceptable references (one from current/last employer) and evidence of the formal qualifications required for the role.