Post: [251022] Headteacher

Location: Gloucestershire Academy for Inspirational Learning, Wheatridge East, Abbeydale, Gloucester, GL4 5DF

Salary Range: Leadership scale, L21 (£84,669) to L27 (£98,106) per annum dependent on experience

Hours/Contract Type: Full time, Permanent

Founding Headteacher – Shape the Future of Inclusive Education at GAIL, a Brand-New Free School in Gloucestershire

About GAIL:

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead the creation of a new, purpose-built specialist school from the ground up.

Gloucestershire Academy for Inspirational Learning (GAIL) will open in January 2027 as a new free school for 200 pupils aged 4–16 with Moderate and Additional Learning Difficulties (MALD). The school will support autistic pupils, those with speech and language differences, SEMH needs, and cognitive learning differences. Pupils will join the school in a phased approach over three years.

As the founding Headteacher, you will:

• Shape the school’s vision, culture, and curriculum from day one.
• Lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team to deliver aspirational outcomes.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where pupils can build trust, experience success, and thrive.
• Play a pivotal role in developing GAIL’s outreach model to support inclusive practice across the region.

GAIL will be part of the Reach South Academy Trust, a growing and inclusive Trust committed to social justice, innovation, and excellence. The school will be located in Wheatridge, Gloucestershire, in a brand-new, purpose-built facility designed specifically for SEND learners.

This is not a typical headship. It is a founding leadership role, a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, and to be part of a Trust that is shaping the future of inclusive education across the South West.

About the role:

Our vision for the school, which as Headteacher you will shape and deliver, will be underpinned by the application of a consistent model and approach. Building trust with children and young people is a core component of our model. Without trust, pupils may not feel safe, which can limit their ability to engage, build emotional resilience, and ultimately learn. Our provision is designed to ensure that every child experiences success and is inspired to thrive.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and develop a specialist school while also demonstrating and growing your leadership within a regional framework of school improvement. As part of Reach South’s ambitious growth strategy, GAIL will be part of a regional hub model. This model is a key element of our strategic approach to sustainable expansion. It enables schools to benefit from locally connected clusters, supported by Regional Directors and phase-specific improvement leads. This ensures a holistic, collaborative, and scalable approach to school improvement.

As Headteacher, you will lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team to ensure all our pupils achieve aspirational outcomes. You will also play a vital role in shaping the school’s contribution to the wider Inclusive Outreach Hub, supporting inclusive practice across the region.

The Trust, our schools, our staff, and our pupils require Headteachers who are innovative, strategic and system leaders. You will help design the curriculum and have the autonomy to influence the school in the way you believe will best serve the pupils and community. Your work will be both challenging and deeply rewarding. You will be the custodian of, and set the tone for, a strong safeguarding culture. This is a culture in which pupils are listened to, respected and actively involved in decisions that affect them.

Want to learn more about this opportunity?

Please view our applicant pack for further information. You can view our digital brochure using this link, https://reachsouth.pagetiger.com/GAILHT/1

Or view the PDF version located as a supporting document on our advert.

Next Steps: 

We encourage you to take the next step in exploring this exciting and unique leadership opportunity. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact:

Nicola Whitcombe, Regional Director
Mobile: 07702 706657

Email: Nicola.whitcombe@springfieldsacademy.org

To arrange a visit to The Springfields Academy, please contact:
Marie Lopez, Operations Manager, Email: Marie.lopez@springfieldsacademy.org

If you experience any technical difficulties during the application process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@reachsouth.org

Application Deadline: Wednesday 26 November 2025, at midnight

Interview Process

All shortlisted candidates will be required to visit The Springfields Academy as part of the interview process. You will be invited to attend either Monday 8 December, Wednesday 10 December or Thursday 11 December. This visit is a vital part of the process and provides an opportunity to experience the culture and ethos of our Trust first-hand.

Interview Dates:
Day One: Wednesday, 17 December 2025 (8.00am to 5.00pm)
Day Two: Thursday, 18 December 2025 (Timings to be confirmed)

Venue: Springfields Academy, Curzon Street, Calne, SN11 0DS

Opportunities and Benefits 

We offer an extensive range of career development opportunities and sector-leading rewards including a competitive salary plus a competitive (contributory) TPS pension scheme. Reach South also offers career progression and development opportunities, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits which can be found in our employee benefits brochure  - Reach South Academy Trust - Employee Benefits

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.