Director of Primaries

The Downs School, West Berkshire

Closing Date: 19 February 2023

Proposed Start Date: TBD on appointment

Salary: Competitive

Contract type: Full Time and Permanent

The Downlands Federation is looking to appoint a dynamic and inspirational Director of Primaries, who understands the power of deep collaboration; a leader who will work effectively with our Executive Headteacher, staff and governors to continue to develop our outstanding family of schools.

This role is perfectly suited to either an experienced Headteacher who will work independently alongside the Executive Headteacher or to a Deputy Headteacher who is looking to make a step into Headship and would welcome additional support.

We are a forward looking, innovative family of schools, who seek only the very best for all of the young people in our care. We are determined that by working together to achieve our federation vision of ‘Learning together, learning for life; a seamless education from 4-18’, all of our students will benefit from a first-rate education and leave us with a lifelong love of learning.

As Director of Primaries within the Downland Federation, you would have ultimate responsibility for the strategic leadership and direction of both Compton and Beedon C of E Primary Schools. Working alongside the Executive Headteacher, you will have a unique opportunity to steer and formulate the distinctive vision, values and aims of both primaries.

The successful candidate will: 

· be either an existing, acting Headteacher or a Deputy Headteacher of a larger Primary School

· demonstrate a proven track record of raising student standards

·      be an excellent practitioner who can demonstrate what outstanding teaching and learning looks like

· be an outstanding leader with drive, energy and ambition, inspiring students and staff to strive for continuous improvement and outstanding outcomes for all

· be able to develop quickly as a credible leader who can foster professional, influential relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

· be able to demonstrate that you have worked collaboratively and are committed to work in partnership with the Senior Leaders and a range of other staff

In return you will:

· be empowered to work across our exceptional schools with ambitious, dedicated, capable staff, who are deeply committed to developing the whole child

· experience a caring, positive federation ethos that prioritises staff wellbeing and recognition

· work with children who enjoy being at school, behave exceptionally and have excellent attitudes to learning

· experience a professional, stimulating, and collaborative working environment with the opportunity to work alongside secondary subject specialists

· work alongside an experienced Executive Headteacher to shape the future direction and development of the schools

· experience outstanding professional development and support to grow and develop as a leader in a forward-thinking Federation

We are incredibly proud of our achievements to date and are firmly committed to establishing first class standards, via a broad, balanced, and exciting curriculum. Our schools are passionate about nurturing every child’s unique skill and talents; whilst inspiring and challenging them to achieve more. We cultivate a caring and vibrant ethos and values and the strong links with our partners in the wider community, Church, Diocese, and the local authority, who provide local support and encouragement.

Our schools are set in beautiful rural surroundings with excellent road links to Newbury, Reading, Didcot and Oxford.

If you would like to learn more, we warmly invite you to visit our schools, so that you can experience our ethos in person. Visits to the schools will not form part of the selection process. Please contact Donna Sampson, HR Manager on

01635 270000 or email recruitment@thedownsschool.org.

As well as the completed and signed application form, we would request that in support of your application you provide a covering letter indicating how you meet the requirements of a Director of Primaries at The Downlands Federation. Please return your applications by Midday, Sunday 19 February 2023 to Donna Sampson at the above address or e-mail at recruitment@thedownsschool.org

The Downs School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check through the DBS and provide evidence that they have a right to work in the UK.

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