Magdalen College School is a single-town secondary school with around 1,300 students, a proud history and a strong sense of community. The school serves Brackley and the surrounding area, which is experiencing ongoing housing growth, bringing both opportunity and challenge.

In April 2025, the school was judged Inadequate, with leadership, governance and standards identified as priorities for improvement. Since then, decisive action has been taken. In December 2025, the Department for Education approved the school’s transfer into the EPA Trust, a highly regarded Oxfordshire multi-academy trust with a strong track record of school improvement. An Interim Executive Board is in place, leadership structures have been refreshed, and the school is benefiting from increased Trust capacity and support.

We are now looking to appoint a permanent Headteacher to build on this work and provide clear, credible leadership that secures consistency, improves outcomes and strengthens the school’s culture.

This role will suit a leader who:

• Has a strong track record of improving teaching, behaviour and outcomes in secondary schools
• Can establish high expectations and consistency while building positive, professional relationships
• Is motivated by the opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference
• Values working within a trust-led model, with support and challenge from experienced colleagues

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, and will draw on the expertise and collaboration available across the EPA Trust, including successful secondary schools such as Heyford Park School and Bartholomew School.

We would welcome applications from:

• Experienced Headteachers seeking a meaningful leadership challenge within a supportive and ambitious Trust, or
• Deputy Headteachers who have played a leading role in school improvement and are ready for their first headship, supported by experienced secondary leaders.

The EPA Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Applications will be considered as they are received, and we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date.