Assistant Head - Primary

• Salary: L9 (£62,920 full-time equivalent) + a great culture and amazing benefits 

• Contract: full time, permanent  

• Start date: 1 September 2026 (new starter induction day) 

Are you passionate about working with children aged 2-6 ? Do you want to make a difference to the provision for our youngest learners? 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Senior Leadership Team at GSAL Primary as an Assistant Head, leading the Nursery to Year 1 phase of the school. This significant, non-class-based leadership role carries both strategic and operational responsibility for our youngest learners at a crucial stage in their development. 

You will lead the day-to-day provision and long-term strategic direction of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1, ensuring the continual evolution of teaching, curriculum design and the delivery of exceptional pastoral care. As Designated Safeguarding Lead for Nursery to Year 1 and an Assistant DSL within the wider school structure, you will place safeguarding and wellbeing at the heart of all decision-making, recognising the fundamental importance of these formative years in establishing strong attitudes to learning, independence and respectful behaviour. 

Alongside leading the EYFS team, you will line manage and strategically oversee the after school provision for the whole primary phase, ensuring it reflects GSAL’s values and maintains the highest standards of care, enrichment and safeguarding beyond the core school day. 

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute meaningfully to the strategic direction of GSAL. You will also work in partnership with our admissions team to build strong relationships with prospective families as well as assess children for admissions.    

We are seeking an aspirational and experienced leader who is passionate about the holistic development of children aged 2–6 and who is driven to make a tangible difference to provision for our youngest learners. You will have a deep understanding of how young children learn and develop and the ability to translate this knowledge into strategic action. Experience of implementing and sustaining strategic change, leading and developing high-performing teams, and enabling colleagues to flourish in their roles is essential. A strong track record of working closely with parents in genuine partnership is also key. 

This role would suit a current senior leader who is ready to take the next step in their career. The scope and responsibility of the post are comparable to that of a Deputy Head in a smaller school offering a substantial and rewarding leadership opportunity within GSAL Primary. 

The Grammar School at Leeds primary school welcomes children from 3-11 and is based in its own building on the main school site. We have purpose built facilities, including performance spaces, music rooms, art, food technology and science rooms surrounded by playgrounds and extensive playing fields. We deliver outstanding pastoral and learning opportunities to enable every child to be kind, be brave and grow a little every day, which are our core primary values.  

In the primary phase, the national curriculum is not rigidly followed, but is incorporated into the school’s scheme of work. Children are offered a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, sport and drama. 

In return we offer the chance to work with committed, enthusiastic children in facilities unrivalled in the north of England, and as part of a high achieving and professional team.  

Why GSAL?  

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is one of the leading schools in the north and traces its history back to 1552. In the last five years GSAL Senior School has twice been named North Independent School of the Year, and North Independent School of the Decade in the Sunday Times Parent Power League Table. 

At GSAL we are committed to the professional development of our staff. There are several opportunities for staff to learn and grow including fortnightly teaching and learning breakfasts (whole school), half termly teaching and learning lunches (primary), the annual teaching and learning conference and a range of apprenticeship schemes.  

Benefits  

We value our colleagues and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:  

• Enhanced school holidays (approximately 16 weeks)  

• Significant discount on school fees   

• Enhanced, generous PPA time, with most meetings held within the school day  

• Subsidised childcare during INSET days (ages 3–11)  

• Defined Contribution pension scheme through Aviva (0% employee contribution, 21% employer contribution, plus 4x salary life insurance)  

• Training and CPD, including INSET days  

• Three-course colleague lunches for £2.40, plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate  

• 24/7 online GP access for you and your family via Health Hero  

• Employee Assistance Programme through Perkbox, including counselling, legal and financial advice  

• Discounts through Perkbox, teacher discounts and Extras  

• Scenic lunchtime walking routes across the 140-acre site  

• Onsite gym and swimming pool, plus fitness classes (Pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps)  

• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme  

• Free onsite parking  

• Access to the school’s extensive library facilities  

• Generous leave of absence scheme  

• Opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities, wellbeing initiatives and community events  

How to apply 

Complete the online GSAL application form. Please be prepared to provide copies of any qualifications mentioned in your application. For any inquiries about the vacancy, feel free to contact vacancies@gsal.org.uk  

More information about the role and responsibilities are contained in the job description and person specification attached in the documents section on our website advert. Please note we cannot offer tours or visits due to the high volume of interest. A tour is provided as part of the interviewing process.   

The closing date for applications is: 08:00 Tuesday 10 March 2026 

Interview date: Longlist interviews (via Teams Friday 13 March), shortlist interviews Wednesday 18 March 2026