About The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead the daily operation and strategic development of Avanti Meadows, based in Bishop’s Stortford.

In this pivotal role, you will work closely with the Executive Principal and senior leaders to drive sustained improvement, maintain high aspirations and outcomes, and ensure that every young person benefits from a rich, engaging and well-structured curriculum.

The Head of School will confidently uphold and promote our Trust’s defining ethos, ensuring that its virtues positively shape the life and culture of our schools.

The Head of School will inspire colleagues through clarity of vision, professional integrity and an unwavering commitment to the very highest standards.

You will shape whole-school practice, contribute meaningfully to long-term strategic development and cultivate a truly inclusive learning community where staff feel supported to excel and pupils are empowered to thrive.

Join us and help shape a school where every learner is valued, every colleague is supported, and excellence is pursued with purpose and heart.

School visits are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange a suitable time.

Interviews will be held on Monday 18th May 2026.

Avanti Meadows is a brand-new primary school in Bishop’s Stortford. Surrounded by fields and new housing estates, the school is a centre for the new community developing in the north of Bishop’s Stortford. The school is rated “good” with “outstanding” in personal development.

Avanti Meadows is a non-faith, community school that embraces inclusion and diversity. “From the very start, pupils develop the deep consideration for others, self-reflection and kind relationships that are at the heart of this school.” Avanti Meadows Ofsted Inspection Report, March 2024

Our school is a vibrant, exciting place to be that is open to big ideas and creativity, all with a genuine focus on pupil and staff wellbeing.

“Through our yoga sessions, children are learning to self-regulate, they are learning that they have the ability to control themselves, to try and calm themselves down and to be in the moment” - Sara Thompson, Yoga Teacher

Our staff are inspired and passionate about their roles, the vision of the school, and providing the most fulfilling learning experience for pupils. Learning is a quest to discover each student’s unique gifts and potential, and to lay the foundation for their lifelong journey of learning.

“We have the most amazing staff members; it’s really evident that the team are very close to one another, and there is a real synergy in their approach to children’s learning.” - Sally Allan, Executive Principal

What will you do?

• To work with the Executive Principal in shaping the vision and direction for the school, setting out very high expectations and with a clear focus on pupil achievement.
• Develop effective professional relationships and good communication, which enable everyone in the school to achieve.
• Maintain a consistent and continuous focus on pupils’ achievement using data, benchmarks and feedback to monitor progress in every child’s learning.
• To prepare and present reports, as required to the Executive Principal, SSC, the Trust, LA officers, parents or outside agencies.

Why should you apply

Avanti exists to help each person become a well-rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place.

You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Great opportunities for professional development
• Teacher pension scheme (subject to eligibility)
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership
• Well-being programs (retreats, yoga, wellness apps)
• Cycle-to-work Scheme

What are we looking for?

• Qualified teacher status, relevant recent professional development
• Successful experience of developing and implementing effective programmes for the professional development of staff
• The ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines by prioritising and using time effectively
• The ability to lead and motivate staff and to successfully bring about and manage change
• A strong commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students, supported by an excellent understanding of safeguarding procedures

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role.

Further information

Pre-employment checks

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re-checks.

Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics.

Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how the school supports pregnant women and new parents.