The Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust

is seeking to apppoint a

Headteacher

Alconbury Weald Church Academy (AWCA)

Payscale:  L26 - L30 + relocation allowances, if applicable

Commencing:  January 2027

The Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy-Trust (DEMAT) is delighted to be opening Alconbury Weald Church Academy (AWCA), the first secondary school within the Trust.

We are seeking an individual to take up the first Headteacher of Alconbury Weald Church Academy post from January 2027 and open the school to the first cohort in September 2027.

The initial intake is planned to be 120 Year 7 students.  The academy will grow annually to reach its Phase 1 capacity of 600 students by September 2031.

 About the candidate

We want the next Headteacher to have the ability, confidence and vision to work with the local community and wider DEMAT family to create an exceptional provision for our students.  We are enthusiastic about this opportunity to select the right Headteacher to lead our school on a journey of sustained excellence, and we are looking for someone who:

• Has the substantial, successful leadership experience required to open and lead a growing secondary school;
• Knows and can demonstrate how to deliver the highest outcomes for their students;
• Understands and supports our vision regarding the centrality of curriculum design and delivery;
• Is aligned to our Trust vision and Education Principles;
• Understands how a Secondary school fulfils a core role in the local community;
• Can ensure that the curriculum and education offer are truly inclusive so that our ordinarily available provision means that all children can be successful;
• Recognises the importance of a broad extra-curricular offer;
• Is sympathetic to the values and ethos of a Church of England school.

About the Trust 

DEMAT exists to create the foundations to build successful futures. Our students deserve educational excellence, and we are committed to delivering that entitlement to ensure all DEMAT students secure the knowledge, confidence and expertise to succeed in their later lives.    

We recognise the importance of continually improving the quality of education across our schools. As a result, we invest in developing our curriculum, teaching and wider provision to ensure these improvements are realised and sustained. Our schools give children the chance to learn, know and lead in a happy and inclusive environment. Most importantly, we provide them with a firm foundation for the future and the opportunity to succeed. 

Equipping children with the skills and knowledge to fulfil their potential and build their confidence and aspiration, our aim is to help them understand the positive role they can play in their local communities and beyond. Above all, we seek to open doors through the highest quality education, expanding each child’s horizons, and giving them the tools to succeed in whatever they set their minds to. 

The Church of England has been providing high quality education in England for more than 200 years. As an Academy trust founded with a Christian ethos in the Diocese of Ely, the DEMAT family continues this legacy providing the best education and life chances through our values of love, trust, respect, ambition, and community. 

Our work is underpinned by Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We are here to create the foundations to build successful futures especially when faced by challenges. Our pupils leave our schools well prepared for the next stages of their lives, and this will be no different at AWCA.  

 We are especially proud of the recognition given to the Trust when we were awarded MAT of the Year at the 2024 National Schools Awards. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole staff team and the high-quality provision they offer to all the children who attend our schools. 

What we can offer you

We are committed to providing systems of high-quality support and challenge to ensure that our school leaders develop and that our schools continually improve.  You will join a team where leaders are supported in having direct links with each other and our Education Team, through our Headteacher conferences, CPD provision and dedicated support from our Hub Directors.

You will be part of a Trust that provides leadership and support to schools through our core leadership and central services teams, which includes an experienced and supportive CEO, an Education Team, Finance, People, Governance, IT and Building and Property services. The successful candidate will benefit from this significant support coupled with a comprehensive induction and CPD programme.

Further information on the role can be found in the attached information pack. 

Please contact the Recruitment Team via recruitment@demat.org.uk to coordinate a conversation with a member of the Central Leadership Team.

 Closing date:  Sunday 10 May 2026, midnight

Interview dates: 

Day 1 -Wednesday 20 May 2026

Day 2 -  Friday 22 May 2026

Safer Recruitment

The Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants.  We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

 We do not discriminate against staff based on age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, gender, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background or any other inappropriate distinction or characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010.

DEMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.  Please be aware that all shortlisted candidates will have an online search conducted as part of DEMATs due diligence checks in line with KCSIE.