Heads have the responsibility of leading a school into the next chapter of its life, shaping not just the children but the foundations of the school, often leaving an important mark in its history.
For those who might be interested in being at the helm, there are several headteacher jobs available across Essex.
Here are the seven schools across Essex currently looking for new headteachers.
Brentwood County High School
Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust and governors are seeking to appoint an “experienced, dynamic and inspirational” headteacher at this Shenfield Common school.
The school describes itself as a co-educational comprehensive school where staff recognise “success for young people is built on firm foundations of trust, respect, care and hard work”.
The successful applicant’s salary would range between £98,044 and £113,356.
Anyone interested should apply fast, as the application closes at midday tomorrow and shortlisting starts on Tuesday.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday January 22 and Thursday 23.
Southend High School for Boys
Southend High School for Boys, in Westcliff’s Prittlewell Chase, is “one of the highest achieving selective state schools in the country”.
As Dr Robin Bevan left the school after almost two decades at the end of the last school year, the school is looking for a new headteacher.
The job advert, listed on the Government’s teaching vacancies page, shows the pay scale falls within “group seven” which is between £83,000 and £119,000.
Rachel Worth is currently interim headteacher, with the new head set to start in September 2025.
The advert closes on Monday, January 20 with interviews set to take place in February.
Stock Church of England Primary School
Set in the heart of the village of Stock, this “inclusive and welcoming” village school aims to give every child the best possible opportunity to develop academically and socially.
It also enjoys strong links with the parish church and community groups.
Due to the retirement of its long-standing head teacher, the school is looking for a committed leader, ready to take it into its next chapter.
The job advert states the successful applicant will be enthusiastic and engaging with a proven track record of inspirational leadership to embody the school’s vision; “let their light shine”.
The application closes on February 3.
Hazelmere Junior School, Colchester
As its headteacher also retires, Hazelmere’s governing body is looking to appoint an experienced leader with a good track record of school leadership who will focus on maintaining and developing an exciting curriculum, which promotes high standards of attainment.
The Hawthorne Avenue school welcomes applications from serving headteachers as well as deputy headteachers. However they will need to act fast, as applications close midday tomorrow.
Shortlisting starts on Thursday with interviews taking place on January 28. The successful applicant will start on April 22.
Gosfield Community Primary School
Part of Attain Academy Partnership, Gosfield Community Primary School is looking to recruit an “inspiring” leader to build on the strengths of the school and drive excellent educational outcomes for pupils.
This small village school is located in Gosfield’s The Street, in beautiful countryside just outside Halstead.
Applications close at midday on Friday, and the salary would range between £56,316 and £75,675. The new headteacher would start on September 1.
Hatfield Heath Primary School
Hatfield Heath Primary School is part of The Learning Partnership Trust which is a small Multi Academy Trust consisting of three primary schools, with a core mission to “provide the very best educational experience for all children”.
The school is based in the village of Hatfield Heath, close to the town of Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth, on the Essex and Hertfordshire border.
Its new headteacher would “demonstrate a proven track record of providing inspirational, strategic and creative leadership”.
The closing date for applications is 4pm on Sunday, January 19 and interviews will be held on Monday, February 10. The post is available from September 1.
Roseacres Primary School, Bishops Stortford
Roseacres only opened in September 2015 with 33 pupils on the former Takeley Primary site, after its relocation to the Priors Green development in Little Canfield. Now, with more than 200 pupils and eight classes, Roseacres caters for pupils from reception to year six.
Based in Takeley, the new headteacher would have a “clear, inspiring” vision for the future of the school with a commitment to continuous improvement.
The school opened in 2015 to cater for the large area of Takeley and its growing community and was rated “good” by Ofsted in May 2024.
Applications close at 4pm on Sunday, January 19, with interviews to be held on February 11.
The post is available from September 1.
To view all of these positions, and apply, visit essexschoolsjobs.co.uk.