* Full details and advert go live date: Wednesday 11th February 2026 *
On behalf of the Governing Board, we are delighted to invite you to consider leading our school at an exciting and important stage in its development. Longbenton High School is a proud, inclusive community with a strong sense of identity, serving its students and families with commitment, ambition and care.
This is a unique opportunity, arising as our current Headteacher moves on to a second headship at Berwick Academy in Northumberland. We are seeking to appoint a new Headteacher from September 2026. We have a senior leader in an Acting Headteacher capacity from April 2026 until the appointment of a permanent successor.
We are seeking an inspirational and principled leader who shares our belief that every young person deserves the highest standards of education, support and opportunity. Our next Headteacher will build on the school’s strengths, provide clear strategic direction, and work collaboratively with staff, students, families, governors and other stakeholders to secure excellent outcomes for all.
This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of our young people and to shape the future of a school with strong foundations and significant potential.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Longbenton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, volunteers, and contractors to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. Safeguarding and child protection are at the heart of everything we do, and our recruitment processes are designed to deter unsuitable applicants and to identify and appoint the safest and most suitable candidates.
Safer Recruitment Practices
We follow safer recruitment procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and relevant legislation and guidance. All appointments are made subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including:
- A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the Barred Lists where applicable
- Verification of identity, right to work in the UK, and qualifications
- Professional references, obtained prior to interview where possible and scrutinised for any safeguarding concerns
- A full employment history with explanations sought for any gaps
- A prohibition from teaching check (where applicable)
- A Section 128 direction check for relevant leadership and management roles
- Overseas criminal record checks where an applicant has lived or worked abroad
All checks are recorded and monitored in accordance with statutory requirements.
Selection and Interview Process
Shortlisting and interviews are carried out by staff trained in safer recruitment practices. The interview process includes:
- Safeguarding-focused questions to assess attitudes and understanding of child protection
- Exploration of any discrepancies or concerns identified in applications or references
- Assessment of suitability to work with children and young people
Equal Opportunities
Longbenton High School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency in our recruitment practices.
Ongoing Safeguarding Responsibilities
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Read and adhere to our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
- Undertake safeguarding training as part of their induction and on an ongoing basis
- Maintain professional boundaries and uphold our staff code of conduct at all times
Safeguarding Statement
Longbenton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The offer of any employment is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.
* Full details and advert go live date: Wednesday 11th February 2026 *
On behalf of the Governing Board, we are delighted to invite you to consider leading our school at an exciting and important stage in its development. Longbenton High School is a proud, inclusive community with a strong sense of identity, serving its students and families with commitment, ambition and care.
This is a unique opportunity, arising as our current Headteacher moves on to a second headship at Berwick Academy in Northumberland. We are seeking to appoint a new Headteacher from September 2026. We have a senior leader in an Acting Headteacher capacity from April 2026 until the appointment of a permanent successor.
We are seeking an inspirational and principled leader who shares our belief that every young person deserves the highest standards of education, support and opportunity. Our next Headteacher will build on the school’s strengths, provide clear strategic direction, and work collaboratively with staff, students, families, governors and other stakeholders to secure excellent outcomes for all.
This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of our young people and to shape the future of a school with strong foundations and significant potential.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Longbenton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, volunteers, and contractors to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. Safeguarding and child protection are at the heart of everything we do, and our recruitment processes are designed to deter unsuitable applicants and to identify and appoint the safest and most suitable candidates.
Safer Recruitment Practices
We follow safer recruitment procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and relevant legislation and guidance. All appointments are made subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including:
- A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the Barred Lists where applicable
- Verification of identity, right to work in the UK, and qualifications
- Professional references, obtained prior to interview where possible and scrutinised for any safeguarding concerns
- A full employment history with explanations sought for any gaps
- A prohibition from teaching check (where applicable)
- A Section 128 direction check for relevant leadership and management roles
- Overseas criminal record checks where an applicant has lived or worked abroad
All checks are recorded and monitored in accordance with statutory requirements.
Selection and Interview Process
Shortlisting and interviews are carried out by staff trained in safer recruitment practices. The interview process includes:
- Safeguarding-focused questions to assess attitudes and understanding of child protection
- Exploration of any discrepancies or concerns identified in applications or references
- Assessment of suitability to work with children and young people
Equal Opportunities
Longbenton High School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency in our recruitment practices.
Ongoing Safeguarding Responsibilities
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Read and adhere to our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
- Undertake safeguarding training as part of their induction and on an ongoing basis
- Maintain professional boundaries and uphold our staff code of conduct at all times
Safeguarding Statement
Longbenton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The offer of any employment is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.
Last update: 19th January 2026