Executive Headteacher

Weavers’ Federation is an ambitious and dynamic institution located in the heart of Tower Hamlets comprising one secondary school Swanlea School and two primary schools Stewart Headlam and Hague. Our student population is diverse, a significant proportion of our students face socio-economic challenges, and we have a higher than average number of students eligible for free school meals. We take pride in our inclusive ethos to be stronger together, where every student is valued and supported to reach their potential.

Governors are looking to appoint an Executive Head Teacher with clear vision, well-developed, inspirational leadership qualities and the ability to build on our existing strengths and lead the Federation through its next phase of growth and development.

We want someone with the vision, skills, and energy to ensure this continues to be a place where students not only achieve academically but also develop as well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for providing an inclusive, high-quality education to all our students. 

We are looking for a candidate with the following experience:

• Experience as a Head Teacher, Head of School or Executive Head leading high performing teams

• Knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning in both the primary and secondary phases

• Substantial experience of teaching in a large multi-cultural school context with an understanding of the issues involved in leading a diverse school community

• Ability to plan strategically and operationally with the Heads of School across the Federation, allocate resources effectively and evaluate impact

• Ability to articulate and share an ambitious educational vision with evidence of having realised vision at a whole-school level

• A clear understanding of the external educational environment, including rapidly changing Government Education Policy, and its implications for the Weavers’ Federation

• A track record of effective recruitment and retention of staff with recognition of the value of their continuing professional development

• Evidence of successful strategies for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating school improvement

• Successful experience of curriculum development and assessment to maximise young people’s outcomes and provide a personalised curriculum

What we can offer:

As a governing body, we are committed to providing the new Executive Headteacher with the support needed to succeed.

You will benefit from:

• a collaborative and experienced team of governors

• a network of support from other school leaders within our Federation

• a dedicated and talented staff, including specialist teachers and support staff, all of whom are passionate about helping our students succeed

• highly motivated, respectful students with a strong desire to learn

• a commitment to enable high quality continuing professional development for you

We believe that this is an exceptional opportunity for the right individual to lead this Federation at an important stage of our journey. Two of our schools were judged ‘Outstanding’ and one ‘Good’ at their most recent Ofsted inspections and outcomes at all Key Stages are consistently improving. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding leadership role, where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Application details:

You are very welcome, and encouraged, to visit the school before applying. Visits are planned for 14th and 21st March at 2pm. Please email recruitment@swanlea.co.uk or phone Naviya Azmin (Executive PA) on 020 7375 3267 ext. 207 to make an appointment.

This appointment is supported by Theodora Nickson from ASCL’s Leadership Appointment Service. For further information or an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact Theodora on 07957 171 075 or on theodora.nickson@ascl.org.uk; these opportunities do not form any part of the interview process.

To apply for this post please complete the Federation’s application form available on its website https://weaversfederation.org/weavers-federation-vacancies.

Closing date for applications is: 12 noon on Monday 24th March.

Applicants selected for interview will be informed on 31st March.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th April.

Weavers’ Federation is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity. The school has a clear commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Our commitment is underpinned by robust processes and procedures that seek to minimise risk and continuously promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. All posts within the school are subject to an enhanced DBS check. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.

Please kindly note the federation reserves the right to carry out social media checks on applicants invited in for interviews. You can find our safeguarding policy on our website:

https://weaversfederation.org/#policies