The posting
About Us
City of London Academies Trust believes strongly in the transformational nature of education operating schools in areas of significant disadvantage. We understand that strong outcomes lead to improved life chances for our students, so we are unashamedly academic and unapologetically results driven. Each of our schools adopt a ‘warm/strict’ approach, combining high expectations with care and support. Our level of care means we never compromise on standards or expectations, ensuring that no student’s background becomes a reason for lowering the bar. Our schools maintain exemplary standards of behaviour, with systems, rituals and norms that instil strong habits. As a result, our schools provide an environment where our teachers can teach, and students can learn without disruption. We take great pride in fostering an exceptionally positive learning environment and we work meticulously to maintain our strong ethos and culture.
COLAT is driven by an unwavering ambition to be the best. We believe exceptional leaders and teachers create outstanding schools, transforming lives and shaping the future of every student. We have academies located in north, south and east London, and we combine the heritage and tradition of the Corporation of London with a genuinely innovative, enterprising, and entrepreneurial ethos. We are also committed to providing training and development to all our staff, plus excellent career advancement opportunities within our evolving Trust.
About you
You will be fully aligned with our approach, understanding the critical role you play in shaping a behavioural and learning culture within our school. You will be adept at using direct instruction pedagogy and delivering a well sequenced, knowledge rich curriculum. Dynamic, inspiring and highly effective, you will strive to surpass what has been achieved. You will be committed to creating an environment that promotes academic, creative, sporting, linguistic and personal achievement.
This is an exciting time to be part of the City of London Academies Trust, and we very much hope that you will be inspired to want to join us. We are committed to investing in the next generation of COLAT people who will embody the Trust’s culture, values and ethos.
We are seeking an exceptional senior leader who:
- Has a proven track record of successful school leadership and school improvement.
- Is passionate about securing excellent outcomes for all children.
- Demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and equity.
- Has experience of leading teaching and learning, curriculum development and staff development.
- Can inspire, support and challenge colleagues to achieve the highest standards.
- Has strong analytical skills and uses evidence-informed approaches to improve outcomes.
- Is committed to developing a positive culture where children and staff can flourish.
- Builds strong relationships with families, governors, Trust colleagues and the wider community.
- Shares our belief that every child can achieve and thrive, regardless of background or starting point.
The successful candidate will be a visible and values-led leader who models professionalism, integrity and ambition and who is committed to ensuring that Galleywall continues to provide an exceptional education for every child.
Our Academy
Galleywall Primary was established in 2016, in a building dating back to 1876, and has served the community with distinction. We have been graded Outstanding by OFSTED in both our inspections, most recently January 2025, and our aim is to provide the best possible educational experience for our pupils. We have high expectations for all members of the school community including the highest standard of professionalism for staff. Galleywall is a highly satisfying place to work, and we were described in our inspection as a joyful place to study where pupils thrive.
We are fully staffed with well-qualified, experienced and energetic practitioners, and have the strong support of parents and the community. We support and challenge all our pupils, whatever their starting points, in a school known to be warm, nurturing and orderly. Our curriculum is rich and creative and is delivered with flair and imagination. Opportunities for high-quality cultural enrichment are abundant and varied; this includes many residential trips, sporting and creative events and visits to the huge range of educational resources offered in our capital city.
We expect children to work hard and demonstrate dedication and commitment to their education. There are clear boundaries and rules that children must follow at all times; OFSTED noted that our pupils are polite, courteous, and confident. We teach and expect pupils to exhibit exemplary character and conduct and, in return, we provide them with an excellent education, fostering both academic success and personal development. We aim to help them cultivate the skills and values needed to thrive in later life.
We seek outstanding staff to work in this outstanding team. You need high levels of energy, commitment, creativity and a passion for the success of our pupils. In return, we offer a calm, orderly and respectful environment.
There is a far-reaching commitment to ensuring that all our staff are given the access to excellent development and induction programmes including regular CPD and the chance to learn from some of the most talented practitioners in the country.
Staff benefit from regular access to senior leaders, social activities, and a shorter academic year.
About the role
City of London Academies Trust (COLAT) is seeking to appoint an ambitious, values-driven and highly effective Assistant Headteacher to join Galleywall Primary School, with the opportunity to contribute to and support other primary schools across the Trust where required. The role is classroom based in year 6, with relevant PPA and management time provided to deliver on the remit of the role.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and inspirational leader to work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to build on Galleywall’s success and ensure every child receives an exceptional education.
As Assistant Headteacher, you will play a key role in the leadership and continued improvement of the school. You will lead agreed areas of school improvement, supporting high-quality teaching and learning, an ambitious and inclusive curriculum, strong pupil outcomes and the ongoing development of staff.
You will champion a culture of high expectations, inclusion and aspiration, ensuring that every child is known, valued and supported to succeed. You will have a particular commitment to improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, pupils with SEND and those who may face barriers to learning.
Working in partnership with the Headteacher, you will contribute to the school’s strategic planning, self-evaluation and quality assurance, while developing colleagues and promoting consistently high standards across the school. You will also build positive relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and the wider school community and contribute to the development of primary education across COLAT.
How to Apply
If you match our ambition and want to join our dedicated team of professionals, we would love to hear form you. Candidates must address the person specification in no more than 1,000 words. Applications must be submitted vis the My New Term portal
City of London Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date for applications is 9:00am Monday 19 October 2026.
Interview is scheduled to take place on Thursday 22 October 2026
City of London Academies Trust supports Equal Opportunities Employment.
City of London Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including enhanced DBS checks and a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the standards which flows from City of London Academies Trust vision and values.
Our school is based in the heart of an evolving community in Southwark , and we value the diversity of our workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.
The role is covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.
City of London Academies Trust Company Registration No. 04504128.
