Headteacher

We are looking for an outstanding Headteacher to lead Spaldwick Community Primary School into the next stage of its continual development. The school was judged by Ofsted in May 2016 to be ‘good’ and received an outstanding judgement during a recent SEN audit. The post has arisen following the Headteacher’s decision to retire after successfully leading the school for the previous 10 years.

Spaldwick School believes every child counts and every day is a chance to learn and succeed, and so we are now looking for a highly motivated and experienced senior leader who has had experience in leading a school, who will drive our vision and build upon our innovative and wide curriculum and take us to outstanding; you should want to face the exciting challenge of increasing our parental involvement and giving all our wonderful children the greatest possible start in life.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring leader and effective manager who understands what ‘quality’ teaching looks like in the Primary context. We want to build on our successes, to take our school onwards and upwards, with a dynamic committed and nurturing Headteacher who will be excited by the opportunity to work in a vibrant, friendly school and who will bring their vision, passion and empathy to deliver our pupils the best possible education and learning experiences.

Over previous years will have amassed a talented and hard-working staff team, a committed Local Board, and the total support of- and collaboration with - our parents and the local community. If you are a Deputy Head, Assistant Head or a Headteacher in a primary school with a strong track record of success, and you have the vision and ambition to lead our School, this could be your ideal post, and we will ensure it is one with real prospects of career progression as well. Spaldwick itself is an attractive, expanding village off the A14 west of Huntingdon, with easy access to the A1. Many of our parents travel to work in London, from Huntingdon Station, or to Cambridge which is just 25 miles away directly along the A14. Travelling west gives access to Thrapston and other Northamptonshire towns. Bedford is easily accessible 25 miles to the south. Accordingly, the school is an easy commute via road and rail from the Cities of Peterborough, Cambridge and further afield from London.

We are looking for a Headteacher who has:

• The drive, vision, ambition and energy to achieve excellence for all our pupils.
• A passion to provide the best possible learning and teaching, across the primary and secondary curricula. Proven leadership qualities and the ability to challenge, inspire and motivate colleagues through change.
• A proven record as an imaginative, innovative, resourceful and decisive leader.
• An understanding of the current educational climate with regard to sustainability, academisation and school-to-school support, and a willingness to continuously explore all future options for the school.
• A knowledge of how to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of pupils with a range of special educational needs.

In return, we offer:

• A school in a lovely rural area with strong community links
• Extensive Grounds
• A strong ethos and a warm, nurturing environment for children.
• Confident and well-behaved children who engage enthusiastically with all aspects of their learning and regularly achieve beyond expectations
• A strong team of enthusiastic, high-performing and dedicated staff.
• An active governing body and supportive, engaged parents.
• Extensive opportunities for continuous professional development in line with the duties of the post.

Closing Date: 0900 - 22nd January 2018 - Postal applications should be returned to the school for the attention of Jonathan Smith, Chair of Governors. Email applications should be returned to mailto:nfield@spaldwick.org.uk

School Visits: 8th - 12th January (by appointment 1000 - 1200 or 1400 - 1530)
Shortlisting: 25th January 2018
Interviews: 8th - 9th February 2018

N.B. We warmly welcome all applicants to take the opportunity to visit the school. Please arrange your visit by contacting the school office on 01480 890371. All applicant are to be in possession of official photographic identification on arrival, further information regarding our school can be found on our website: www.spaldwickschool.org.uk

Spaldwick Community Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Spaldwick Community Primary School