Please note that applications will be reviewed as received and should a suitable candidate be identified, we may close the vacancy early. Therefore, early application is encouraged. 

Executive Headteacher

Gagle Brook Primary School & Southwold Primary & Nursery School

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: L22 – L26 (£86,803 – £95,735)

Start date: 1st September 2026

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Headteacher to lead Gagle Brook Primary School and Southwold Primary & Nursery School—two thriving schools within The White Horse Federation in North Oxfordshire.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a visionary and strategic leader to drive excellence across two established and growing school communities, building on strong foundations and Good Ofsted judgements at both schools.

About the Schools

Gagle Brook Primary School

Gagle Brook is a purpose-built primary school in Bicester, serving the Gagle Brook and Caversfield communities. Opened in 2018 as an eco-school, it embraces the 10 One Planet Principles, promoting sustainable living and environmental responsibility.

The school has grown year on year and is now fully established from Nursery to Year 6.  Gagle Brook believes in the unlimited potential of every child and is committed to ensuring that every pupil achieves success in a nurturing and aspirational environment.

Southwold Primary & Nursery School

Southwold Primary School serves the Southwold community and Caversfield parish. It is a thriving school dedicated to providing a strong academic foundation, ensuring all pupils achieve highly in English, mathematics, science and computing.

Alongside academic excellence, the school places great emphasis on personal development, supporting children to grow in confidence, character and ambition.

Both schools were rated Good at their most recent Ofsted inspections, reflecting the dedication and commitment of staff, pupils and the wider school communities.

The Role

As Executive Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership across both schools, working closely with Senior Leadership Teams to:

• Drive high standards of teaching and learning
• Lead sustained school improvement
• Champion inclusive and ambitious educational practice
• Strengthen community engagement and Trust collaboration
• Embed the Trust’s vision and values across both settings

You will play a key role within the wider leadership of The White Horse Federation, contributing to Trust-wide development and collaboration.

This role offers an exciting challenge for an experienced Headteacher or senior leader ready to extend their impact across multiple schools within a supportive and ambitious Multi-Academy Trust.

All About You

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has a proven track record of outstanding teaching and leadership
• Can provide strategic direction aligned with school and Trust vision and values
• Has experience across the primary age range
• Is inspirational, resilient and committed to excellence
• Champions high-quality teaching and learning, modelling best practice
• Is committed to collaborative working within The White Horse Federation

Why Join Us?

• A welcoming and values-driven school community
• Dedicated, hardworking and supportive staff teams
• Engaged and enthusiastic pupils
• Strong Senior Leadership Teams
• Access to high-quality CPD and career development across the Trust
• The support, shared expertise and resources of a large and successful Multi-Academy Trust

The White Horse Federation is committed to providing exceptional education across the South West and South East of England. We invest in our people and believe in empowering leaders to thrive and make meaningful impact.

We warmly encourage prospective candidates to visit. Please contact the school office to arrange a tour and experience our schools first-hand.

If you are ready for the next step in your leadership journey and want to make a lasting difference across two schools, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Advantages of joining our Federation

In addition, our employees reap the rewards of a competitive benefits package, including:

• Employee Assistance programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Wellbeing and support networks including, menopause network and men's wellbeing network

Discounts, save money on holidays, clothing and much more:

• Discounts for Teachers - All staff within the Trust can take advantage of the discounts
• Blue Light Discount
• Eye Care Vouchers

CPD & Professional  Development 

• Access to up-to-date training on safeguarding and child protection to ensure staff are fully supported in their roles, including ongoing updates on statutory safeguarding guidance and legislation.
• CPD Programme
• Supportive leadership team to help you reach your full potential
• Trust Leaders Network

Pension / Leave and Service

• Excellent Pension Scheme*
• Employer contributions above national standards
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave
• An additional White Horse concessionary day’s leave per year

*This role is in the Teachers pension scheme

Ready to Apply? 

We hope we have done enough to give you a flavour of what it is like to work here. If you would like come and join us, then please apply today – we are looking forward to hearing from you. 

The White Horse Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful for this role, you will be expected to apply for a disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service before an appointment is confirmed. Please note that references will be sought on shortlisted candidates before the interview.

The White Horse Federation values uniqueness and recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce. We value the contributions of all staff from a wide range of backgrounds and we are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. At The White Horse Federation, we believe that everyone should be treated with fairness and respect and share a commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at all of our schools. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and operate a fair recruitment process, free from discrimination against protected characteristics, in line with the Equality Act 2010.