Several schools across Essex are searching for someone to take on the challenge and reward of being a headteacher.
Headteachers are the figurehead of a school community, and their impact stretches far beyond the classroom – with heads dealing daily with staff, pupils, and even members of the public.
Here are the schools currently on the lookout for a new headteacher:
St George’s School in Colchester
Situated in Canterbury Road, St George’s is a mixed primary school for children between the age of three and 11.
The school has a capacity of 630 pupils, with the job description asking for an accomplished school leader with the vision and drive to create meaningful and lasting change.
- Start date: September 1, 2026
- Applications close: March 31, 2026
- Shortlisting: April 1, 2026
- Interview date: April 15, 2026
- Pay range: Leadership pay range L21–L27, £84,699 – £98,106
- Contract: Full-time, permanent
Cedar Hall School Benfleet
This school located in Hart Road in Benfleet is an all-age special school for young people with complex learning needs many of whom are on the autistic spectrum.
The school, which opened in 1966, has 186 pupils with its SEN provision being for children with moderate learning difficulties.
The application said: “We are seeking an outstanding senior leader with the passion, drive, and enthusiasm to build on our strengths.
“You will lead, motivate, develop, and inspire a team of staff and governors who are committed to providing pupils with the skills to allow them to reach their full potential.”
- Start date: September 1, 2026
- Applications close: March 2, 2026
- Shortlisting: TBC
- Interview date: TBC
- Pay range: Leadership Pay Range LS 22-31
- Contract: Full-time, permanent
Galleywood Infant School, Chelmsford
Galleywood Infant School in Barnard Road in Chelmsford is looking for an exceptional headteacher to lead their warm and inclusive maintained school.
This follows their much-loved head retiring after years of service.
The school, which has an age-range between four and seven, said: “Our children are curious, kind and eager to learn.
“They thrive in an environment where they feel safe, valued and encouraged to be their very best.”
- Start date: September 1, 2026
- Applications close: March 8, 2026
- Shortlisting: March 9, 2026
- Interview date: March 19, 2026
- Pay range: Leadership Pay Range L11 - 18
- Contract: Full-time, permanent
The Mayflower Primary School
Located in Main Road in Harwich, the school covers a friendly, inclusive and popular school in an economically diverse area on the north coast of Essex.
The headteacher is retiring after many happy years, with governors, staff and pupils looking for a new headteacher who builds on the school’s achievements.
The governors want someone with high aspiration for all pupils from all backgrounds and someone committed to outdoor play and learning.
The school which has up to 420 pupils said: “We pride ourselves on being an inclusive school, welcoming children from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, cultures and with individual needs.
“Our commitment is to ensure every child at Mayflower Primary receives the support they require, so when they leave our school, they have been able to reach their full potential.”
- Start date: September 1, 2026
- Applications close: February 23, 2026 - midday
- Shortlisting: February 25, 2026
- Interview date: March 6, 2026
- Pay range: Leadership Pay Range L18 - L24 £77,924 - £90,255
- Contract: Full-time, permanent
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