What skills and experience we're looking for
HASSOCKS
West Sussex
BN6 8LP
11 – 16 Mixed Comprehensive
Number on roll: 1,260
Group: Group 7
Required for September 2025
HEADTEACHER Salary Range L29 – L36 (£99,067 - £117,601)
A rare opportunity to recruit a talented, enthusiastic and energetic leader to join our highly successful school as Headteacher has arisen due to retirement. The school is situated at the foot of the beautiful South Downs. Downlands Community School has a reputation for excellent academic results, extra-curricular activities, outstanding pastoral care and is totally committed to inclusion.
The school provides an ambitious curriculum that nurtures learners to develop the skills to lead fulfilling lives and participate fully in society. We are committed to putting diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do for everyone in our community.
We strive to recruit, retain and advance people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented amongst school leaders.
The Governors are committed to appointing an inspirational leader to continue the school’s successful journey.
Candidates should therefore:
o Be a creative and strategic thinker who ensures that learning is central to the life of the school
o Be able to lead and inspire a highly committed and talented staff team
o Demonstrate strong evidence of preparation for the challenge of the post
o Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
o Be able to challenge existing practices in a drive for continuous improvement
o Be committed to developing the school ethos, vision and values
o Have good financial/budgetary experience
We look forward to meeting you and receiving your application.
What the school offers its staff
Please refer to Application Pack.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment are subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.