Headteacher 

School - High Point Academy 

Location - Friar Park Road, Wednesbury, WS10 0JS

Salary Range - L21-L27 

Contract Type - Permanent 

Required - September 2026 or sooner 

We’re looking for our next Headteacher for our fantastic school, High Point Academy.

High Point opened in 2021 and has quickly become a vibrant, values driven school for young people aged 11–16 with an Education, Health and Care Plan and a primary diagnosis of Autism. As part of Forward Education Trust (FET), the school has developed a strong and distinctive identity rooted in ambition, inclusion and a deep commitment to ensuring every pupil is seen, valued and understood.

Our ACE values – Ambitious Aspirations, Challenging the Impossible, Encouraging Independence – shape every aspect of school life. They are lived out daily through a curriculum that blends academic learning with life skills, creative arts, Forest School, college partnerships, enrichment opportunities and purposeful experiences that nurture confidence, capability and independence.

High Point is a place where many pupils arrive having had previous school placements that did not fully meet their needs. Our staff work tirelessly to build the belonging, trust and security that allow young people to thrive. The school’s culture is characterised by strong relationships, optimism and purposeful support; pupils’ confidence is evident in their willingness to perform, participate and persevere across all areas of school life.

With strong foundations already in place – a dedicated and skilled staff team, well designed learning environments, a clear and inclusive curriculum, and a community proud of its identity – High Point is ready for its next stage of development. We are seeking a dynamic, compassionate and forward thinking Headteacher who will lead the school with ambition, integrity and vision.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Is passionate about inclusion and highly aspirational for autistic learners.
• Brings the strategic insight, creativity and resilience to lead an ambitious school.
• Values relationships and understands the importance of safety, belonging and trust for all pupils.
• Can inspire, empower and develop a talented staff team.
• Will contribute positively to the wider work of Forward Education Trust and collaborate with leaders across our family of schools.
• Is committed to ensuring every young person receives the very best possible education and preparation for adulthood.

What we offer:

• A thriving school with a strong culture, committed staff and engaged families.
• Trust-level support from experienced leaders, including Education, Governance, Finance and Operations.
• A collaborative network of schools where no leader works in isolation.
• A commitment to professional growth, coaching, leadership development and innovation.
• An Employee Value Proposition designed to support staff both personally and professionally

Forward Education Trust is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff. To do this, we have an Employee Value Proposition offering a range of benefits to help our staff on a personal and professional level, which includes:

•Teacher Pension or Support Staff Local Government Pension – Employer Contribution
•FET HUB – information all in one place, access to a range of benefits
•Paid for Health Cash Plan – employee and dependent children benefit – option to add partner
•Employee Questionnaire – Consultation with staff on a range of issues and ideas
•Salary sacrifice scheme – Cycle to Work Scheme
•Access to the NHS approved Thrive App – to support mental health & well-being
•Comprehensive induction and probation support and an ongoing performance management & appraisal system
•Easy purchase scheme (salary deduction) – Smart Tech in association with Currys
•Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme – free, totally confidential advice, with face-to-face consultations
•Personal & professional learning & development – including FLICK online learning and other resources
•Access to discounts and offers from Reward Gateway and My Perks
•Occupational Health Service – accessible to support the needs of individual staff
•Staff recognition – e-cards to celebrate success among colleagues
•Mental Health First Aiders
•Policies being developed to support positive health & well-being: Family Friendly Working, Special Leave of Absence, Flexible Working, Menopause

Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit High Point Academy and to arrange an informal conversation with Simon Dilkes, CEO, and/or Leanne Mahony, Director of Education. We would be delighted to share more about our vision, our pupils and this exciting opportunity.

Contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership for a confidential discussion, to arrange a visit to the school, to discuss making an application or to arrange an informal conversation with Trust leaders.  Martin will provide candidates with a link to the Forward Education Trust Applicant’s website to complete a formal application.

You can view the advert for this role on the Trust’s website or via the Hays Site via this link.

Martin Blair

T:07908268091

E: martin.blair@hays.com

Closing Date: Monday 23rd March 2026
Interviews: Thursday 16th and Friday 17th April 2026

Please note that only fully completed Forward Education Trust applications via our Applicant Portal will be accepted. CVs will not be considered.

The Trust may review applications upon receipt and may call applicants for interview prior to the advert closing date.  Therefore, you are encouraged to make an early application for this role, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date.   

If you do not hear from the school within 14 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. The successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks.   

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.   

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.   

An online search will also be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. 

Forward Education Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must promote this ethos. 

The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS; Prohibition check; Childcare Disqualification; qualifications, medical fitness; identity and right to work and two references.