Headteacher

Job Introduction

Cove School

Appointment of Headteacher

Hampshire

Closing Date: Friday 12th June 2026 (Noon)

Interview Date(s): 30th June and 1st July 2026

Job Start Date:  January 2027 (or earlier)

Contract/Hours: Permanent, Full-time

Salary Type: Leadership Scale

Salary Details: The indicative pay salary is set at £103,030 - £118,169

Hours of Work: FT

Location of Role: Cove School Farnborough

Contact e-mail address: eps-recruitment@hants.gov.uk

About the School

Cove School is at a pivotal and exciting moment in its journey, presenting an exceptional opportunity for an inspirational, ambitious and values driven leader to make a significant and lasting impact. The school is seeking a dynamic Headteacher who is inspired by challenge and motivated by the opportunity to lead rapid and sustained improvement, building on recent developments and setting a clear path toward excellence.

Following its most recent Ofsted inspection, the school is focused on accelerating progress and securing consistently high standards across all areas of provision. This role offers the chance to shape a compelling vision for improvement—one that raises aspirations, strengthens teaching and learning, and ensures all students achieve their full potential.

The successful candidate will bring strong, strategic leadership and a proven ability to drive school improvement at pace. They will be supported by a committed staff team and a community eager to see the school thrive. With the right leadership, Cove School has the capability to become a beacon of high quality education in Farnborough.

This is a rare opportunity for a Headteacher who relishes both challenge and opportunity: to lead transformational change, inspire a school community, and leave a powerful legacy of success.

You will bring to our school:

• A compelling and ambitious vision for rapid school improvement, with the drive to move Cove School confidently forward following its most recent Ofsted inspection 
•  Proven leadership experience in raising standards, particularly in schools requiring accelerated improvement 
• A strong track record in improving teaching and learning, ensuring high quality classroom practice and consistent outcomes for all pupils 
• A thorough understanding of creating inclusive education for pupils with SEN, to ensure accessibility to the curriculum for all pupils with a range of needs
• The ability to inspire and motivate staff, building a united, high performing team with a shared commitment to excellence 
• Strategic clarity and decisiveness, with the confidence to prioritise effectively and deliver change at pace 
•  A deep commitment to pupil achievement and wellbeing, ensuring every pupil is supported to reach their full potential 
• Resilience and determination, embracing challenge as an opportunity and maintaining momentum through periods of change 
•  Excellent communication and engagement skills, fostering positive relationships with families, staff, governors, and the wider community 
•   A focus on accountability and high expectations, embedding a culture where standards are understood, monitored, and continually improved 
• The ability to build on existing strengths, recognising the school’s potential and leveraging its community support to secure long term success

Application Procedure

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. 

Tours of the school and Q&A with current HT will be available during the morning of:

Tuesday, 2nd June and Thursday, 4th June

To organise a tour please email: s.downham@coveschool.uk

Please find attached the Headteacher Information pack.

Click the “Apply” button to complete your application.

Applications should be received no later than noon 12th June 2026.

You should provide a full statement in support of your application, which should not exceed two sides of A4 paper.

Please do not restate the factual details already included elsewhere on the application form.

Cove School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.