Headteacher Ferndown Middle School (part of the Castleman Academy Trust)

Could you be the Head who changes everything?

Not everyone is made for a middle school. But then, not everyone is made to lead.

If you’ve never considered leading a middle school before, maybe it’s time you did.
Because this isn’t just another headship. It’s the one that might change everything - for you, and for them. 

We’re looking for someone who sees beyond the ordinary. Someone with experience, courage, and vision - not just to lead, but to transform.

This is not a role for the faint-hearted…It’s for a leader who thrives in challenge and sees potential where others might see problems. A leader who understands that true impact happens when you meet a school just before its turning point.

Ferndown Middle School is a school set in lovely open grounds, with great facilities and resources. 

We are proud to be a school that delivers a wider curriculum and creates real opportunities - our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and broaden horizons, preparing children for life beyond the school gates. Although we cater for secondary pupils (years 7 and 8), we believe a primary way of working supports learning much more effectively – learning that is active, experiential and mirrors real life. We believe in early aspiration, confident learning, and responsible citizenship. 

Maybe you’re a head who’s done it all - but never had the space to do it your way. Or maybe you’ve led through challenge before, and know the deep satisfaction of real, gritty, purposeful change. 

This is a rare opportunity to make a measurable difference - to reshape a school and re-energise a team with the resources and potential to be exceptional.

Could this be you?

What we’re looking for:

We need a strong, visible leader- someone who leads with integrity and builds trust quickly. You’ll be resilient, emotionally intelligent, and able to inspire confidence in both staff and students. You might already be a Headteacher looking for your next challenge, or an experienced senior leader with significant leadership experience who is ready to step up into a whole-school leadership role.

You’ll be someone who can balance strategic vision with a hands-on approach, and who understands that change doesn’t come from directives alone - it comes from listening, clarity, courage, unity, and modelling what excellence looks like every day.

You’ll bring clarity to complexity. You’ll listen before you lead. You’ll build belief in teams who may have stopped believing.

Key Responsibilities:

•     Brings proven leadership experience in a First, Middle, or Primary school setting.

•     Has a deep understanding of curriculum development, particularly in Key Stage 2 and possibly, early Key Stage 3.

•     Set a clear, values-led vision that reflects our core outcomes: confident and successful learners, responsible citizens, and aspirational individuals.

•     Establish a culture of high expectations, mutual respect, and consistent behaviour, with a focus on pupil wellbeing and achievement.

•     Support and develop staff to build morale, retain talent, and foster a collaborative, motivated team culture.

•     Build strong relationships with pupils, parents, staff, governors, and external partners to drive improvement and engagement.

•     Use our unique facilities and curriculum offer to enhance opportunities for all learners and strengthen links with local schools.

•     Lead the continued improvement of teaching, learning, assessment and safeguarding practices across the school.

•     Create long-term, sustainable improvement - and leave a legacy that lasts.

Come and see what we see…To arrange a visit or for more information, please contact Tracey Thorne on 01202 830037.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday on Monday, 23^rd June 2025 

Interviews will be held on Monday, 7^th and Tuesday, 8^th July 2025.

Completed application forms via My New Term https://mynewterm.com/jobs/2573/EDV-2025-CAT-51776

You will find more information on the school’s website, www.fernmid.dorset.sch.uk and the Trust website, www.castlemanacademytrust.co.uk .

However, meeting us in person is always preferable if possible! Visits are warmly encouraged and can be arranged by contacting Tracey Thorne on 01202 830037.

The Castleman Academy Trust's Recruitment Privacy Notice can be found at www.castlemanacademytrust.co.uk/information/current-vacancies. 

The Castleman Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Successful applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment checks including References, an Enhanced DBS and Child Barred List check and a Health Check and right to work in the UK checks, in line with the Government's safer recruitment guidelines.  

The post will only be offered subject to a successful pre-employment checks, including an online check. This check will form part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children.  As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. 

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and require all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.  

Ferndown Middle School is a school set in lovely open grounds, with great facilities and resources. 

We are proud to be a school that delivers a wider curriculum and creates real opportunities - our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and broaden horizons, preparing children for life beyond the school gates. Although we cater for secondary pupils (years 7 and 8), we believe a primary way of working supports learning much more effectively – learning that is active, experiential and mirrors real life. We believe in early aspiration, confident learning, and responsible citizenship. 

Maybe you’re a head who’s done it all - but never had the space to do it your way. Or maybe you’ve led through challenge before, and know the deep satisfaction of real, gritty, purposeful change. 

This is a rare opportunity to make a measurable difference - to reshape a school and re-energise a team with the resources and potential to be exceptional.

Could this be you?