Principal

School Marling School (Part of Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust)
Address Cainscross Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire
GL5 4HE
01453 762251

Post Title (Subject) Principal
Grade Leadership Group
Allowances (Not applicable)
Hours Full Time
Contract Permanent
Interview Date: 02/12/2025
Start Date 13/04/2026
Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust
Cainscross Road, Stroud, GL5 4HE

Principal
Marling School
Stroud, Gloucestershire
Salary: L33-L39, £113,646-£131,578
Permanent
Start Date: April 2026 (or earlier if available)

We’re looking for a bold and values-driven leader to become the next Principal of Marling School, a high-performing grammar school with a co-educational sixth form, known for academic excellence and a commitment to producing confident, independent learners with a respect for all.

About the role
As Principal, you’ll be the driving force behind Marling’s continued success. You'll lead the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of the school, shaping a learning environment that’s ambitious, inclusive and deeply rooted in the needs of our students and community.

This is a leadership opportunity for someone who is ready to inspire, challenge and support a dedicated team, delivering an outstanding educational experience for every pupil. You’ll ensure high standards of teaching, drive pupil achievement, and foster a culture of excellence, curiosity and care.

At the same time, you’ll play a pivotal role across our wider network, collaborating, innovating, and helping shape the future of education.

About Marling School
Marling School is a high-achieving grammar school for boys aged 11 to 16, with a thriving co-educational sixth form. We serve 1,100 students in the heart of Stroud, building a culture of ambition and support that creates opportunity, nurtures character, and promotes academic excellence in a safe and inspiring environment.

We believe in developing skills alongside knowledge, preparing our students for both academic success and their future place in a global society.

Our curriculum is enriched with co-curricular opportunities from cultural and recreational clubs to international trips across the globe. We are proud of our role in the local community and strive to strengthen those connections even further.

What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a values-led, strategic leader with a strong track record of improving outcomes for all pupils. You’ll be an experienced teacher and senior leader, confident in what great teaching looks like and how to develop it in others.

You’ll bring insight, credibility and the ability to influence and inspire. Whether from a high-performing or more challenging school, what matters is your ability to turn ambition into meaningful, lasting impact and a belief in the power of a grammar school education.

Above all, you’ll lead with integrity, optimism and care, building a school community that everyone is proud to be part of.

Who we are
Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust (CBAT) is a locally rooted, values-led trust, committed to delivering excellent education for every child. We are proud to be entering an exciting new chapter and subject to approval by the DfE intend for our trust to merge with Lift Schools later this academic year. Lift Schools are a network of 57 schools, with primary, secondary and special schools, have a reputation for sector leading professional development and are recognised as one of the highest performing trusts in the country across a number of key metrics. Lift Schools are united in their commitment to provide an excellent education, to every child, in every classroom every day. Subject to approval by the DfE, CBAT will join Lift Schools in 2026.

This partnership brings together the best of both trusts, CBAT’s strong local foundations and Lift’s national reach and capacity for collaboration and innovation. Together, we’re building something ambitious and future-facing: a trust where high standards, equity and professional growth go hand in hand.

We place children at the heart of every decision and are united by a clear moral purpose to transform lives through education.

The successful applicant will, in accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to a comprehensive pre-employment checking process including references from current and previous employers, health, right to work in the UK, an enhanced DBS check and a further check against the appropriate barred list. This role involves work with students and provides regular access to children, therefore is a regulated activity. Please see our Recruitment and Selection Policy including Recruitment of Ex-Offenders on the CBAT website.

Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

To apply, see details to the right of this advert by clicking on 'Website' or Direct Email.