Brunel Academies Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional and inspirational Headteacher to lead Churchward School, a thriving and expanding special school for students aged 11–19 with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and/or Social Communication Interaction Difficulties (SCID).
Churchward School operates across three sites in Swindon (Town Centre, Lydiard Millicent and William Morris Way, Tadpole) and plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, specialist education within our growing Trust.
This is a significant and exciting opportunity to join Brunel Academies Trust at a pivotal stage in its development. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and supported by a strong network of Trust professionals and central business teams, you will help shape the next phase of the school’s journey.
About the Role
As Headteacher, you will:
- Have resilience, and be able to provide strategic and operational leadership across three sites, able to band multiple teams as one, unafraid to ‘roll up your sleeves’ and get involved with your team’s professional initiatives to meet its end goal
- Lead and inspire a talented team of senior leaders, teachers and support staff through a period of financial challenge, where nurturing talent is key
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
- Ensure consistently high standards of teaching, learning and outcomes
- Champion inclusive practice and personalised provision for all learners
- Promote the wellbeing, development and achievement of all children and young people as well as your team
As a Trust, we want our leaders to feel confident in their role to focus on teaching and learning as much as possible. To aid this, you will be supported by your experienced SLT locally to your sites, and a team of specialists to bring and keep you up to speed on operational matters such as Finance, People, Resourcing, IT and Estates.
About You
We are seeking a creative, ambitious and values-driven educational leader with a deep commitment to SEND education.
You will bring:
- Proven experience of successful Headship, Executive Headship or substantial senior leadership experience, ready for the next step
- A strong track record of raising standards and sustaining high-quality provision
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to nurture and develop employee strengths to secure the very best outcomes
- Strategic vision combined with operational excellence ahead of a pending Ofsted visit to this “Good” rated school, come January 2027.
This role requires a resilient, reflective leader who can build strong relationships, inspire confidence and lead with clarity and compassion.
About Brunel Academies Trust
Churchward School is proud to be part of Brunel Academies Trust, a growing educational community driven by the belief that there are no barriers, only potential. We are values driven, and we strive to Be Kind, Be Brave, Be Honest, Be Imaginative and Be Inclusive.
Across our SEND, Church of England and mainstream schools, we are committed to significantly improving the life chances and outcomes for all our children and young people.
For full details of the role responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the accompanying job description.
If you are an ambitious and passionate leader ready to make a transformational difference in specialist education, we would be delighted to hear from you. Should you wish to discuss the opportunity in more detail, please do write to Karen Iles, Director of SEND and link professional for Churchward School at kiles@brunel.org.uk or speak to our Head of Resourcing Services, Kirsty Fyfe CertRP at kfyfe@brunel.org.uk. We would highly encourage scheduling a tour at Churchward School, please contact the office at 01793 209198.
Interviews: 19.03.2026
Benefits
Your wellbeing and benefits is important to Brunel. Whether through continuous professional development, personal and impartial support, or exciting discounts to enjoy with friends and family, Brunel Academies Trust have a package of excellent benefits which are available to all employees, including:
- Support on continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
- Brunel Perks – exclusive discounts on a range of products and retailers from cinema tickets, food shopping and holidays
- Carefirst – impartial counselling service in person, by video call or phone as well as a citizen’s advice function for advice and support on personal or professional queries
- Excellent pension scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Annual pay progression opportunities
- Honoured Continuous Service Date (CSD)
Safeguarding Statement
Brunel Academies Trust is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people (CYP) and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check, references and medical clearance. All references will be obtained prior to interview in line with Safer Recruitment and KCSIE, and further references may be sought as deemed necessary.
We are dedicated to the vision of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a team that reflects diversity from the communities it serves. We value the contributions of all colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds and actively seek to promote an environment which is free from discrimination and harassment, which at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance.
Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010, Brunel Academies Trust welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process that is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, pronouns preference, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy, paternity or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer.
In order for your application to be formally considered, we require a fully completed application form in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education & Safer Recruitment. This must include your education history, qualifications with dates and an unbroken employment history from leaving full time education to present day (with gaps accounted for). Please make sure all gaps in employment are explained in the box provided.