Headteacher - St John’s of England Academy and Diocesan Learning Trust

Headteacher – St John's C of E Academy

Job Reference: EDV/2026/SJCEA/54919

Location:

Fenby Avenue, Lascelles Park, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4UB

Contract Type:
Permanent

Contract Term:
Full-Time

Salary: £73,105.00 – £84,699.00 Annually (Actual) L15‑L21

Closing Date: 12:00 pm, 19th Mar 2026

Start Date:

1st September 2026

Positions Available: 1

Interview Date(s):
Thursday 26th / Friday 27th March

About this Role

The Trust and Local Academy Council at St John's C of E Academy are looking to appoint a dynamic and inspirational leader to continue the pursuit of excellence that has been forged by the current leadership team. If you have a passion for leading a fully inclusive Church of England School this could be an opportunity for you.

Our school is dedicated to offering a safe and positive environment where children feel valued, heard and cared for. Christian values form the foundation of our approach, guiding everything we do. We emphasise strong partnerships with parents and carers, viewing them as essential contributors to their children's education. We look forward to regular opportunities to connect, celebrate successes, discuss progress and explore how families can engage in their child's learning journey.

Supported by dedicated Academy Councillors, leading our committed team of staff who work to provide the best possible education for our pupils is a privilege. We are proud to serve the local community and represent the families that make our school unique. In the midst of ongoing changes, our mission remains the same – “Trust in God, Trust Yourself. Aspire, Believe, Achieve!”

As part of DND Learning Trust that supports 21 Church of England Schools, you will work with the central team to ensure the school continues to be the best it can be.

We are looking for a headteacher who is:

• Enthusiastic, with a secure vision, drive, adaptability and the ability to keep perspective.
• Advocate a sound educational philosophy, with the ability to translate into practice.
• Capable of securing the loyalty and confidence of pupils, staff, parents, governors and others.
• Able to create an exceptional positive ethos within the organisation recognised by staff, pupils, parents, governors and the wider community.
• Committed to their own personal development.
• A role model for pupils and staff.

As a Headteacher in the DND Learning Trust we offer:

• A nurturing school with a dedicated team.
• A supportive warm and welcoming ethos that puts children at the heart of all we do.
• A Challenge and Support school improvement model meaning you are fully supported.
• A bespoke induction programme as part of the Trust.
• A mentor Head to ensure you settle into your new role.
• A sense of family through wider connections within Trust networks.
• A team that genuinely wants to help you succeed in making every child matter and no child be left behind.

For expressions of interest please arrange a call with Paul Rickeard OBE, Trust CEO –

Visits to the school are encouraged – the following times are available:

• Thursday 4th March at 10 am or 4 pm.
• Thursday 12th March at 2 pm.

To arrange a visit, please contact marc

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This position is subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service, which will require you to disclose details of any unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions as part of the recruitment process.