What skills and experience we're looking for
As of September 2025, we have a rare leadership opportunity: Gosforth Central Middle School is seeking to appoint a highly effective senior leader to join us as Assistant Headteacher. The successful candidate will play a key role in accelerating the development of the school on our journey to excellent educational and pastoral provision. They will shape and lead the school's safeguarding and attendance strategies, empowering staff to understand and support our students through the development of a safety strategy aligned with our restorative and relational practice framework.
Our successful candidate will be an inspiring and highly motivated leader. Personal qualities such as passion, commitment and a can-do attitude is incumbent to the role. Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate to a range of stakeholders are essential. We are looking for a professional who can demonstrate impact of strategic leadership, excellent management and a proven track record of success in raising standards. The post will require strategic leadership in the areas of:
• Strategic planning
• Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Attendance
• SEF and SIP development
• Health and Safety
This is an exciting time to join our leadership team with our expansion from four form to five form entry completed and the opening of our new Year 5 block in September 2024.This post provides a rare career opportunity to be part of our forward-thinking learning community and to play a critical role in the next phase of the school’s development.
What the school offers its staff
You will be joining a supportive, collaborative, and passionate School Team who are committed to developing reflective young people who are on the journey of making sense of the complex world around them.
• Our pupils are the motivation for all that we do at GCMS.
• We embed high aspirations and a growth mindset in all pupils.
• We embed our GRIT values in all we do.
• We are committed to excellence in teaching and learning, and we offer ongoing professional development opportunities, enhanced PPA time, and a supportive and inclusive school community.
• Our truly broad and balanced curriculum is supported by excellent facilities, including a drama studio, sports hall, music room and science labs.
• We believe in equipping our pupils for the future and provide each child with a Chromebook to support their learning both at school and at home.
• Pupil and staff wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us: A full-time school counsellor provides our wellbeing support, ensuring a whole school approach.
Further details about the role
Visiting our school is essential. Candidates can arrange a visit to the school by contacting recruitment@gosforthcent.newcastle.sch.uk.
For any questions or to discuss the post further, please contact Deeanne Smith (Headteacher) on 0191 2851793 or recruitment@gosforthcent.newcastle.sch.uk.
The deadline for these posts is 12:00pm noon on Monday 24th March 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the next stage of the process which will take place on the week commencing Monday 31st March 2025.
Commitment to safeguarding
Gosforth Central Middle school is strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate and a range of other recruitment checks. As this post involves working with children, vulnerable adults or dealing with sensitive information, written references will be obtained and made available to interviewers before the final selection stage; even if you indicate otherwise. We may carry out online searches as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online.