Headteacher

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

Join us on an exciting journey of transformation and excellence.

At Tapestry Learning Partnership, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Formed in January 2026 through the merger of two strong trusts, QEGSMAT and Djanogly Learning Trust, we are building a future where every child succeeds and flourishes. Now, we are looking for an exceptional Headteacher to lead our diverse, inclusive, and ambitious school community. Serving over 1,000 students and a richly multicultural population with more than 40 home languages, we are a school committed to improving the life chances of every child.

About the Role

This role is far more than a leadership position; it is an opportunity to shape the future of a vibrant community and make a lasting impact. You will play a pivotal role in embedding our values, aligning our vision with daily practice, and ensuring that the school continues its journey of improvement with ambition, purpose and clarity.

As Headteacher, you will lead with visibility, integrity and strategic focus. You will work with the Trust, staff, students and families to drive improvement, build a culture of excellence and ensure that City of Derby Academy remains a place where every child is supported to thrive.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the school with integrity, ambition and moral purpose
• Setting clear strategic direction and ensuring consistent implementation
• Building a culture where inclusion, aspiration and strong relationships drive success
• Working collaboratively with the Trust and wider partners to strengthen the school’s offer
• Ensuring every child benefits from an ambitious curriculum, strong teaching and meaningful enrichment

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Headteacher who:

• Leads with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to excellence
• Is prepared to embrace the challenges and rewards of leading a diverse, high-profile school
• Sets and sustains high standards every day, ensuring that strong practice becomes the norm
• Is driven by a moral purpose to meet the needs of every child, especially those who are most disadvantaged and those with SEND
• Values and champions personal development, character and wellbeing, recognising their importance alongside academic achievement
• Has the presence, emotional intelligence and skill to unite, motivate and empower staff across a wide-ranging team
• Embraces collaboration with the Trust, families, external partners and wider community
• Brings the clarity, resilience and ambition needed to drive improvement and secure exceptional outcomes for all students

About City of Derby Academy

City of Derby Academy is a school where every student and every member of staff is encouraged and supported to realise their full potential. Our culture is grounded in high expectations, strong and respectful relationships, and a deep commitment to inclusion.

Serving a wonderfully diverse community with more than 40 home languages, our vision is simple yet profound: to improve the life chances of every child.

We offer an ambitious curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, from educational visits and clubs to our thriving Combined Cadet Force.

Students develop academically, personally and socially, gaining the knowledge, skills and character they need for the next stage of their education, employment or training.

City of Derby Academy is a school where:

• Diversity is celebrated, and inclusion underpins everything we do
• Students feel safe, supported and able to thrive
• High expectations drive achievement, ambition and pride
• Relationships are strong, respectful and purposeful
• Staff wellbeing and professional development are valued, and colleagues are proud to work here

City of Derby Academy is a place of possibility; a community united by the belief that every child deserves the very best opportunities, every single day.

Why Join Tapestry?

As part of our Trust, you’ll benefit from:

• A supportive network of professionals who share your commitment to excellence
• High-quality professional development and career progression opportunities
• A caring, inclusive organisation that values staff wellbeing and work–life balance
• Access to a range of employee benefits designed to promote health and wellbeing

This is your chance to be part of something special. Help us shape the future and make a lasting impact.

Tapestry Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is a criminal offence to engage or seek to engage in regulated activity or regulated work with children, if you appear on the DBS barred list. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and be eligible to work in the UK.

Further information about our commitment to Safeguarding can be found at: Tapestry Learning Partnership

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

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore shortlisted applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions or convictions, and any adult cautions or convictions 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).

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, Executive P.A, on s.taylor@tapestrylearningpartnership.org or 01335 340830, extension 10782.

Further details about our school can be found on our website: https://www.cityofderbyacademy.org/

To apply for this position, please visit our careers page via our website: Tapestry Learning Partnership

Please ensure your completed application is returned no later than 12 noon on the Closing Date.

Interview date: w/c 27th April 2026

Potential Start date: September 2026

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.