Salary: Leadership spine points 31-37, £108,202.00 - £125,345.00 Annually (FTE)                                               

Hours of work: Full Time 

Contract type: Permanent 

Job Overview:

We are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to join Ascend Learning Trust as Headteacher at The Wellington Academy, someone who is passionate about delivering excellence in education and committed to aligning their leadership with the Trust’s values and vision.

The successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring the school’s ethos and strategic direction reflect the aims of the Trust, while establishing and overseeing effective systems, processes, and policies. You will identify barriers to school effectiveness and lead the development of realistic, timely improvement strategies that fit within the Trust’s school improvement framework. Working closely with the Trust, you will ensure these strategies are implemented successfully and monitor progress toward achieving the school’s objectives.

As a key member of the Trust Educational Leadership Team (TELT), you will be the school’s lead advocate for the Trust and play a vital role in delivering Excellence in Education for every child across the Trust.

Why choose us?

The Wellington Academy opened in 2009 and, is an ambitious, forward thinking 11-18 Academy situated in a beautiful location of Tidworth, which is on the outskirts of Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Our curriculum breadth is focused on ensuring every pupil is exposed to the widest range of subjects possible to equip them to leave school ready to achieve their dreams and fulfil their goals.

The Wellington Academy’s vision for all our pupils is that they become inquisitive, ambitious and independent young adults and when they leave us, they will have the skills, knowledge, and character they need to take them on to university or the workplace. Our pupils are friendly and happy and value good relationships with their teachers.

Full details can be found in the recruitment pack. 

Ascend Learning Trust creates a sense of belonging for everyone. All our young people receive a holistic, world class education regardless of where they come from or their life challenges. They will leave their Ascend community with outcomes that open doors to a fulfilling and successful future.

If you want to be a part of this, and work alongside ambitious, compassionate, and dedicated people we welcome your application. Our mission is to develop and retain high quality professionals who relentlessly pursue the Ascend vision.

Together we will foster a culture of compassion and inclusivity with high expectations and standards for all. Where horizons are limitless, and education is unmissable.

Together we Belong, Believe, Become.

We also offer an excellent staff benefit package which include discounts on high street stores, restaurants, cinemas, and gyms as well as having a wellbeing hub and a cycle to work scheme. We have a wide range of benefits for employees which include:

Health & Wellbeing

• Free annual Flu Vaccines
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• 24-hour access to free counselling helpline for family, debt advice
• *Annual ‘Wellbeing Day’
• Generous holiday allowance  
• Flexible working solutions

Financial

• Hundreds of offers and discounts and cashback on local and national stores
• Excellent Pension Schemes
• Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes
• Health and Fitness Schemes (available at additional cost) 

Career Progression

• Instructional Coaching for Teachers
• Developmental performance management conversations
• Apprenticeship opportunities for ‘on the job training’
• Investment in your career, internal and external talent solutions.
• Recognition and Reward –including service awards 

* Please note some allowances are only applicable on completion of a successful 6-month probation. 

Find out more and apply:

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the PA to the Executive Team to arrange a call or visit with the CEO: [email protected]

To apply for this position, please do so via MyNewTerm: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/135804/EDV-2026-WA-06294

Please note if we receive sufficient applications, we may close this job role earlier. 

At Ascend Learning Trust, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, foster creativity, and create a workplace that truly reflects the richness of the world around us. We are excited to welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our dynamic team.

Reasonable adjustments are modifications or accommodations made to ensure that individuals with disabilities or specific needs can perform their job duties effectively. We embrace the idea that everyone should have equal opportunities to succeed, and our aim is to make this a reality. If you need any assistance completing your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01793 781485 or alternatively you can email [email protected] 

Closing date: 9am, 5th February 2026, previous applicants need not apply 

Interview Date: 10th and 11th February 2026

Start Date: September 2026 or sooner if available
 

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which means that you are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they would normally be considered "spent” and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences. 

In line with KCSIE 2025 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence. 

References will be obtained before interview at shortlisting stage and may be used in the interview process. If previous employment has included working with children, then at least one referee must be from this employment regardless of whether this is the current or most recent employment Any gaps in employment must be detailed and an explanation provided in the relevant section.
 

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