LeadersSafeguardingCPDGovernorHubKeyGPT
Training Hub

How to review your headteacher or CEO job description

Understand what you need to do to review your headteacher's or CEO’s job description, including how to consult with your board. Make sure changes are in line with statutory guidance, so everyone is clear on the role and its responsibilities.

Last reviewed on 18 July 2025
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 45459
Contents
  1. Responsibility for writing the job description depends on your school type
  2. 1. Establish the reason behind any changes
  3. 2. Consult before making any changes
  4. 3. Assign a panel to lead the review process 
  5. 4. Draft the updated job description
  6. 5. Share the draft with your headteacher/CEO to get their feedback
  7. 6. Present the final job description to your governors/trustees
  8. Review the job description every year 

FusionHR advised us on this article. The Key is a minority investor in FusionHR.

Responsibility for writing the job description depends on your school type

Role/school type

Who writes the job description?

Who else is involved?
Multi-academy trust (MAT) headteacherCEO or the MAT
HR team		Local governors are not usually involved
MAT CEOHR team and the chair of trusteesChief operating officer (COO) might be involved
Maintained school headteacher (foundation or voluntary aided school)Governing boardA local authority (LA) HR advisor might advise, but the board can overrule them at any point 
Maintained school headteacher (community or voluntary controlled school)Governing board The LA is the employer and checks that any changes to the job description meet legal requirements

Follow the steps below if you're tasked with reviewing a headteacher's/CEO's job description.

1. Establish the reason behind any changes

Your school/trust is recruiting for a new headteacher/CEO The current job description is unclear