GLF is seeking to appoint an exceptional strategic leader to guide and inspire education across our Trust of 43 schools.

Your Opportunity

We are looking for someone who leads with clarity, conviction and a strong sense of purpose.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on more than 17,000 students, spanning early years to post-16 provision, by championing excellence in teaching and learning and strong academic outcomes for all. You will drive a bold vision for inclusive, equitable and aspirational education, creating a cohesive educational journey where every child, at every stage of their education, is supported to thrive. By reducing barriers to learning, including those faced by children experiencing disadvantage, and advancing social mobility, you will ensure each learner is empowered to grow, learn and flourish, reaching their full potential at every stage.

Academic achievement remains essential for all. However, this role is about unlocking potential and shaping ambitious futures rooted in aspiration across every phase of learning. A Trust-wide strategy, enriched by personal development, character growth and meaningful experiences, will support every child and young person, in every stage of their education through to their transition to post-16 destinations. 

In doing so, they will be equipped to contribute to society with confidence, integrity and purpose. We seek a leader who appreciates the distinct identity of each school while advancing our shared vision of ‘One GLF’. If you value collaboration, coherence and continuous improvement, and you embody the GLF values of Respect, Integrity, Kindness and Inclusivity, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

What we are looking for

• Honours degree or equivalent 
• Qualified Teacher Status 
• Commitment to ongoing professional development 
• Proven senior leadership across diverse school settings with a track record of raising standards.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver an ambitious, inclusive educational vision.
• Deep expertise in curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and whole-phase education (EYFS to post-16).
• Strong understanding of national education policy, including SEND and safeguarding.
• Skilled in data-driven improvement, stakeholder engagement, and leading systemic change.
• Values-led leader who builds high-trust relationships and champions equity and social justice.

Please read the full job description and person specification for more information. 

Join Our Community

As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.

• A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,000 colleagues and over 17,000 pupils
• Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness
• 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
• We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
• Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education

Our Employment Offer

GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish

• Access to our highly competitive pension scheme (LGPS)
• Generous holiday allowance
• Work life and family friendly policies
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Access to a staff benefits portal
• Community and collaboration working model

The Details

Salary: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. 

Location: The Beacon School, Banstead / GLF Trust Office in Earlsfield. 

Contract: Permanent (please note this is an Associate contract, and not Teaching Terms and Conditions). 

Start Date: ASAP

Closing date for applications: 13 September 2025 

To arrange an informal conversation with our Interim CEO James Nicholson, please contact Katie Sullivan (contact details provided in the 'Join our Community' pack). 

GLF Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

As a Trust, we are happy to discuss flexible working opportunities. GLF Schools recognises and celebrates the diversity of its schools and their communities. There is a shared commitment across the Trust to develop further a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated, and individuals are treated equitably and fairly and feel a sense of belonging. We strive for an inclusive environment where staff, children and students are comfortable to express their own identity, should they wish, in which diversity and inclusion is of mutual benefit for everyone in our schools. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups including those based on ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy at any time ahead of the closing date if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.

We also reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates ahead of the closing date.

Please be advised that references may be requested on receipt of your application. Please state if you wish this to be delayed until shortlisting/interviews have taken place.