Headteacher

The Governors are seeking an outstanding and ambitious Head to lead Godstowe through the next stage of its development. This is a rare opportunity to lead a distinctive preparatory school with a strong reputation for academic ambition, pastoral warmth and breadth of opportunity.

The next Head will inherit a much-loved school with a clear identity, a loyal community and an exciting future. We are seeking an exceptional leader with the presence, judgement and warmth to build on Godstowe’s strengths and shape its coming years with confidence.

About the Position

Job Title: Head
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 or later by agreement
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About Godstowe School

Godstowe is a leading independent day and boarding school set within 12 acres of beautiful Chilterns parkland in High Wycombe. Founded in 1900, the School has a distinguished heritage and a longstanding reputation for providing an excellent all-round preparatory education.

We are proud to be a happy, thriving school where pupils grow in confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning. We combine rich heritage with a modern, forward-looking approach, delivering strong academic outcomes through high-quality specialist teaching, small class sizes and a broad and engaging curriculum.

Sport, music, drama and the arts are central to the life of the School, as are the wider co-curricular opportunities that help children discover interests, talents and character. Godstowe seeks to develop pupils who are not only academically well-prepared but also confident, engaged and accomplished across the full breadth of school life.

Boarding is a distinctive option at Godstowe, enriching the experience for day students and boarder alike through its contribution to a lively, inclusive and outward-looking school environment.

As the School enters its next chapter, a year-round Nursery for children from 9 months onwards is being created.  Additionally, boys will be welcomed into the younger end of the School, from Nursery through to Form One. These developments are intended to build carefully within the core principles which guide Godstowe: its academic ambition, its strong pastoral care, its family atmosphere and its breadth of opportunity.

The Role

This is a role that requires both vision and presence: someone able to preserve what is best about Godstowe while guiding its continued development with warmth, sensitivity and sound judgement.

As Head, you will provide clear, confident and inspiring leadership across the whole School, setting strategic direction while remaining closely connected to daily school life.

The successful candidate will lead a school that combines academic ambition with strong pastoral care and will understand the importance to families of excellent onward preparation, including destinations at 11+ and 13+, scholarships, leading independent senior schools and the strongest local grammar school options.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a Head who:

• Brings strategic judgement, commercial awareness and an understanding of schools as both educational communities and complex organisations;

• Can lead, motivate and develop staff;

• Builds strong, authentic relationships with pupils, staff and parents;

• Understands academic excellence alongside the importance of pastoral care;

• Has awareness of the independent school landscape, including pupil recruitment, retention and the expectations of families;

• Has an understanding of boarding provision, including safeguarding, welfare and compliance.

Why join Godstowe?

Godstowe offers the opportunity to lead a highly regarded school with both heritage and momentum.

You will be supported by a committed Governing Body, a strong staff team and the wider Alpha Schools network, while leading a school with a clear identity and an exciting future.

To find out more about this role, please read our Head Information Pack.

We look forward to welcoming a new Headteacher who will lead Godstowe into its next chapter with confidence, care and ambition.

Godstowe School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for all roles will undergo appropriate child-protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check; costs are covered by the company. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.