Headteacher recruitment: an overview

Read our step-by-step guide to recruiting a headteacher, including advertising, shortlisting candidates, holding interviews and making the appointment.

Last reviewed on 1 June 2022
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 4536
Contents
  1. Confirm who'll be involved
  2. Tell the local authority (maintained schools)
  3. Plan ahead
  4. Advertise the vacancy
  5. Shortlist candidates
  6. Request references
  7. Hold interviews 
  8. Appoint the successful candidate
  9. Communicate the appointment
  10. Evaluate the process

This article is based on headteacher recruitment guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and the National Governance Association (NGA), and the School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009, which apply to maintained schools. 

Confirm who'll be involved

Know who has legal responsibility

The members of an academy trust don't have a formal responsibility here, but could be involved in the process elsewhere, such as on the selection panel. Bob Anderson, former HR

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