Headteacher

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY USING THE DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL WEBSITE, PLEASE SEE DETAILS BELOW

Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of young people, especially those who need it most?

Are you ready to take the next bold step in your leadership journey?

Do you thrive on the challenge and reward of working in communities where your impact truly matters?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Chellaston Academy is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our large, inclusive, and ambitious school community. With over 1,800 students from years 7-13 and 200 members of staff, Chellaston Academy is a place where every child and staff member is inspired to realise their potential, through the values of Integrity, Care and Excellence.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a Headteacher who:

• Demonstrates integrity and care in all aspects of leadership, consistently striving for excellence.
• Is prepared to embrace the challenges and rewards of leading a large, high-profile, and oversubscribed school.
• Sets and sustains high standards every day, ensuring that outstanding practice and academic success become the norm across all areas.
• Is driven by a commitment to meet the needs of every child, particularly those who are most disadvantaged and those with SEND.
• Values and celebrates a child’s personal development as highly as their academic achievement.
• Possesses the leadership skills to unite a diverse and wide-ranging staff team, ensuring every member feels valued and supported.
• Champions collaboration and is eager to work closely with the Trust and the wider school community.

Why Us?

You’ll be joining us at a very exciting time as QEGSMAT is merging with Djanogly Learning Trust to form Tapestry Learning Partnership, expected in January 2026. This new chapter brings incredible opportunities for collaboration and growth. Tapestry’s vision is for every child to succeed and flourish by providing them with an exceptional educational experience. We believe in the power of education to transform lives. We believe in the power of education to transform lives and are proud of our strong sense of community, our commitment to inclusion, and our culture of high expectations. We’re looking for a leader who shares our values and is ready to build on the progress we’ve made.

As part of QEGSMAT, and soon to be Tapestry Learning Partnership, you’ll benefit from:

• A supportive network of like-minded professionals who share a clear vision and values.
• High-quality, ongoing professional development for you and your team.
• A passionate, committed wider team focused on:
• Achieving the highest academic outcomes for all pupils.
• Driving social change through education.
• Providing exceptional pastoral care and enrichment opportunities.
• Bespoke support from the Trust’s central team, tailored to your school’s needs.
• Access to a range of employee benefits designed to promote health and wellbeing.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting impact in a school that is excited about its future.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We are also a United Kingdom Immigration and Vetting Sponsor therefore, sponsorship for skilled worker visas may be available.

Further information about our commitment to safeguarding can be found - https://www.qegsmat.com/documents/safeguarding

Please be aware, we may also consider performing an online presence check as part of our pre-employment checks.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

Opportunities for a look around the school can be arranged on request. If you are interested and wish to have an informal conversation to discuss the role or would like to visit the school, we would be happy to arrange this. Please contact Sharon Taylor on 01335 340830.

The position is to start as soon as possible.

Further details about our school can be found on our website: https://www.chellaston.derby.sch.uk/

To apply for this position, please visit: https://recruit.sampeople.co.uk/Jobboard/Trust/qegsmat

Provisional Interview Dates: Thursday 15 and Friday 16 January 2026

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Please be aware that Derbyshire County Council is placing this advert on behalf of this organisation and you should refer directly to its website for details of the terms and conditions attached to this post. Any queries regarding this advert or the recruitment process should be made directly to the organisation.