Full Time Head of School

(with approx. 0.7 teaching commitment)

Braithwaite CE Primary School, Braithwaite, Keswick CA12 5TD

(part of the Good Shepherd Trust)

Website: www.braithwaite.cumbria.sch.uk

Tel: 017687 78356   Email: admin@braithwaite.cumbria.sch.uk                        

Age Range: 3-11 years old

NoR: 40 (including 2 Nursery)

Our Vision:

We are a small family with big, caring hearts, striving to be the best we can be, treating each other with respect and, knowing God is always with us on our learning journey.

Following the retirement of our current Head of School, the Local Governing Body and Executive Headteacher of our uniquely located village school wish to appoint an inspirational Head of School who will work closely with our Executive Headteacher and the Trust to build on our strong Christian foundation and share our whole school vision. 

Braithwaite C of E Primary School is in a small village just outside of Keswick, in the Lake District National Park, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with magnificent views of Skiddaw and Barrow from the school field. We seek to appoint a dynamic Head of School to continue the high standards of learning within our distinctively Christian ethos of mutual care, alongside a creative curriculum that nurtures the whole child and puts a particular emphasis on well-being and outdoor learning. We benefit from an active and supportive local community, including strong partnerships with the local Church. We maximise the use of our unique school grounds and surroundings, extending the learning beyond the classroom, particularly through the use of our Forest Schools area within the spacious school site. 

Braithwaite C of E Primary School offers an extended day with Breakfast and After school care on site, benefits from once weekly use of the swimming pool opposite the school and has an active ‘Friends of Braithwaite School’; as part of the Good Shepherd Trust the school benefits from support with finances, school improvement and leadership and also has strong links with the local schools within the Keswick Cluster. In June 2018 we were rated ‘good’ by Ofsted and an updated SIAMS inspection is imminent when inspections restart.

We would like to hear from you if you will:

• lead our school family by example in pursuing our distinctive Christian ethos;
• foster strong relationships with the whole school community, whilst positively promoting our school in the wider community;
• be an approachable, collaborative, organised and inspirational leader; and
• lead by example as an outstanding classroom practitioner.

We can offer you:

• a dedicated, skilled, mutually supportive staff team committed to care for and develop each child, including the support of an experienced Executive Headteacher (on site 2 days per week);
• a welcoming school with caring, enthusiastic children who are keen to learn and are supported by their parents and the dedicated Local Governing Body; and
• support in your continued professional development, as part of a Trust family of like-minded schools.

Due to current Covid restrictions visits to the school by prospective candidates may not be possible in the usual way. If you would like to discover more we would encourage a visit to the school website, Facebook page or an informal chat with our Executive Headteacher. Please contact Kate Hughes, Clerk to the LGB (017687 78356) or e-mail admin@braithwaite.cumbria.sch.uk to make arrangements. Our school grounds are open to the community over weekends and holidays if you wish to see our wonderful location.

Braithwaite C of E school is committed to safeguarding and safer recruitment. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to an enhanced DBS check, professional references, pre-employment ID and medical checks.  To apply, please visit the school website www.braithwaite.cumbria.sch.uk to download an application form and recruitment pack. All completed application forms are to be returned to:-

Mrs J Laker, Braithwaite CE Primary School or admin@braithwaite.cumbria.sch.uk

All dates and information is subject to change in line with Covid-19 guidelines.

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Wednesday 21st April

Shortlisting will take place on Thursday 22nd April

Interviews are planned for Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th April