St Leonard's CE Primary Academy is a small well established one form entry school which plays an important role in serving the community of the village of Blunsdon, located to the North of Swindon and the neighbouring areas. 

Our school is a wonderful warm and welcoming place to be, and has a strong Christian ethos and links to the nearby St Leonard's Church. 

We are currently seeking to appoint a Headteacher who shares our values centered around Generosity, Truthfulness and Justice from September 2024, and who will bring inspiration and innovation to lead us forward on our journey. 

The ideal candidate will be passionate about teaching and learning, and skilled in working with others to build a dynamic team of professionals within a shared inclusive vision of "Living and Learning Together with God’s Help". 

Role Summary

The Headteacher will provide professional leadership and management for the school, ensuring high quality education and care for all pupils and staff. The Headteacher will carry out their duties within the Leadership range of the National Teachers’ Standards, and work towards elements of the National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers.

Professional Responsibilities

Ethos and Culture

• Establish and sustain the school's shared vision and strategic direction in partnership with stakeholders.
• Model and promote the Christian aims, values and ethos of the school and the Church of England.
• Create a culture where pupils experience a positive and enriching school life.
• Uphold ambitious educational standards which prepare pupils from all backgrounds for their next phase of education and life.
• Promote positive and respectful relationships across the school community, and a safe, orderly and inclusive environment.
• Ensure a culture of high staff professionalism.

Leadership

• Operate as the Senior Leader of St Leonard's CE Academy, with responsibility for its day-to-day management and organisation.
• Lead the development of the SDPs.
• Ensure careful and effective implementation of improvement strategies, which lead to sustained school improvement over time.
• Provide direction and support for colleagues through staff meetings, line management and effective performance appraisal.
• Ensure staff have access to high-quality, sustained professional development opportunities, aligned to balance the priorities of whole-school improvement, team and individual needs.
• Attend School Review meetings to discuss pupil progress, for all groups in the school, and act on the recommendations of the Education Team.
• Remain abreast of current educational thinking / developments / deadlines for statutory submissions of data/ debate including the GOV.UK education and Ofsted updates.
• Operate as the Designated Safeguarding Lead of the school, where required.
• Understand and welcome the role of effective governance, upholding the obligation to give account and accept responsibility.
• Establish and sustain high-quality, expert teaching across all subjects and phases, built on an evidence informed understanding of effective teaching and how pupils learn.
• Ensure teaching is underpinned by high levels of subject expertise and approaches which respect the distinct nature of subject disciplines or specialist domains.
• Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation of school effectiveness.

A full Job Description along with further information on the role is contained in the attached recruitment pack.

School visits are welcomed and encouraged and can be arranged by contacting the School Administrator via the details provided in the recruitment pack. 

Closing Date: Thursday 18th April 2024 at 9am.

Shortlisting will take place on Friday 19th April 2024 and candidates will be notified as soon thereafter as possible if they have successfully been shortlisted for interview.

Interviews: Thursday 25th April 2024