Vacancies

About the Post

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational, driven and compassionate Headteacher for Poole High School. This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional leader with a vision for excellence in secondary education.

We are Twynham Learning. A multi-academy trust comprised of five primary schools, three secondary schools, Bournemouth Bay Teacher Training Partnership, Dorset School Games and Two Rivers Institute. Our vision is to deliver a world class education system for our locality that challenges social injustice and provides opportunities irrespective of background. Our mission is to provide a strong framework of support across the BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole) area, utilising our model of local networks, partnership and high expectations to deliver an increasingly ambitious vison for education. We are a values-driven, inclusive employer.

Poole High School is a warm and caring school for secondary students in Poole, from year 7 to year 13. The school offers an unparalleled curriculum breadth, which ensures that every child has an accessible and appropriately challenging route to the best possible destination. Poole High is genuinely comprehensive and genuinely inclusive, and learning is sacrosanct. Young people love being at Poole High School because it’s a great place to try out new things and to test themselves with new cultural, physical, artistic and social experiences

What we can offer you

• An opportunity to work with wonderful children and their families, and an outstanding network of leadership colleagues across our trust
• An exceptional CPD offer
• Free, confidential access to our Employee Assistance Programme, which offers a range of counselling services plus financial, legal and practical support from qualified professionals on a range of personal issues and access to online health and wellbeing resources
• A trust-wide intranet, where we share our news, information and resources
• Local discounts negotiated on behalf of our staff e.g. gym memberships, hair and beauty salons, chiropractic care, cycle shops, restaurants, motoring services, and retail/DIY stores
• A welcoming staff room with complimentary tea and coffee available throughout the day
• The opportunity to work within Twynham Learning; a progressive multi-academy trust
• The opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful areas of the South Coast
• Automatic membership of the Teachers Pension Scheme
• Free on-site parking

Who we are looking for

We would love to hear from you if you:

• have a proven track record as an effective secondary Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or Head of School, with a clear evidence base of sustained high performance and transformational change that has impacted staff and pupils
• have a strategic leadership style that is characterised by integrity, creativity, resilience, optimism, tolerance and clarity.
• are skilled in financial management, communication, managing conflict, data evaluation and planning
• have clear understanding of, and commitment to, promoting safeguarding of pupils
• are committed to valuing, supporting and encouraging the professional development of all staff
• hold the relevant qualifications for the post (NPQH is desirable)

You will also be keen to live our Twynham Learning employee values which are:

• Aim high
• Keep improving
• Don’t leave anyone behind
• See the bigger picture

Any questions?

To discuss the post or your application, please contact Vicky Elsworth on 01202 402789 or email vicky.elsworth@twynhamlearning.com

Tours of the school will be offered to shortlisted candidates only.

How to apply

To apply for this vacancy, please submit a Job Application Form, Diversity Questionnaire and covering letter (3-pages maximum) by email to: recruitment@twynhamlearning.com.

Only applications made using our own official application form will be accepted. You can download the form and questionnaire here:  www.twynhamlearning.com/187/staff-vacancies

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 9am. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

Twynham Learning values diversity and inclusiveness. We aim to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote diversity throughout our whole workforce. We want our workforce to be representative of all sections of our community, so we give equal opportunities to all job applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability status, gender reassignment, marital/partnership status, pregnancy/maternity, race/colour/national origin, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. Only people who can evidence their right to work in the UK will be considered for this vacancy. We are committed to robust Safer Recruitment processes as part of our strong commitment to safeguard children and young people. An enhanced criminal records check will be undertaken on the successful candidate. Candidates must disclose all unprotected spent and unspent cautions and convictions. It is an offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.