Head of School

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

We are seeking an exceptional leader who shares our ambition for every child to succeed and is committed to excellence in curriculum, teaching and learning, and pastoral care. This is a significant opportunity to lead a highly regarded alternative provision and to make a tangible difference to the life chances of young people and their families as Head of School.

As Head of School, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operational management of the academy, ensuring that the school runs effectively and that students experience a safe, calm and purposeful environment in which they can learn and thrive.

You’ll work closely with the Executive Principal, to lead the implementation of the academy’s improvement priorities, with a particular focus on the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, attendance and safeguarding. As Head of School, you will ensure that systems and routines across the academy are applied consistently, and that staff are supported to deliver high-quality teaching and care for students.

We are looking for someone has successful senior leadership experience within a school, alternative provision, or specialist setting and a demonstrable record of improving teaching and learning outcomes. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping provision, strengthening practice and ensuring consistently strong outcomes for students.

Ormiston Beachcroft Academy, located in Westminster, is a highly regarded alternative provision commissioned to deliver high-quality education for pupils who require targeted support to re-engage, succeed and progress. The academy operates across three complementary provisions, each offering tailored pathways:

• Alternative provision (AP):
  Supporting secondary-aged pupils at risk of exclusion or permanently excluded, with a clear focus on re-engagement, reintegration, and successful transition to post-16 education, employment or training

• Primary provision:
  Supporting up to 12 Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), through a structured and supportive environment

• Westminster Education Centre (WEC): A short-term intervention provision (up to five weeks), based offsite, supporting pupils who are struggling to cope in mainstream education.

• A satellite primary alternative provision based in RBKC for up to 20 pupils, who are in receipt of an EHCP, have been permanently excluded from school or require a 12-week intervention placement.

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach - they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before - being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive

• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children - a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve

• Being part of a team and community where you belong - being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities

• A supportive environment to grow your career - an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

We value the contribution of every colleague and offer a range of benefits designed to support your career, wellbeing and work-life balance. Benefits include automatic pay progression, a generous pension scheme, wellbeing support, exclusive discounts, Blue Light Card access and our cycle-to-work scheme.

For further information about this exciting leadership opportunity or to arrange a tour of the academy, please contact Grant Monaghan, Executive Principal, at

More information about this post and the role of a Head of School within Ormiston is available in the accompanying information pack.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early or appoint before the stated deadline if a suitable candidate is found.