Executive Headteacher
Willoughton Primary School, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5RT17 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
8 May 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
21 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Full time: Willoughton Primary School 0.5 Hemswell Cliff Primary School 0.5
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L8 - L14
What skills and experience we're looking for
EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER
The Cliff Federation of schools which comprise of: Hemswell Cliff Primary School & Willoughton Primary School.
Salary range: L8 – L14
Contract type: Full time (2.5 at each school)
Contract Term: Permanent
We are looking for an Executive Headteacher who will lead our Federation with vision, passion, positivity, and a commitment to excellence.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced senior leader. You will be working alongside a committed team of staff and a governing board that is ambitious for the federation, with high aspirations for all pupils and staff.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is an inspirational and effective leader with a clear vision for the strategic direction over both schools.
- Can display a confident multifaceted leadership approach, with compassionate flexibility, encompassing adaptability to changing educational environments.
- Has the ability to build positive relationships with the children, staff, governors, parents, and stakeholders.
- Can motivate and empower staff and children to achieve their full potential.
- Can promote excellence in teaching and learning with a strong focus on pupils’ achievement and development.
- Has strong, proven management skills.
- Has high expectations of achievement and behaviour.
- Will maintain our commitment to inclusion and promote a broad, varied, exciting and challenging curriculum.
- Has a deep understanding of Teaching and Learning in a Primary setting.
- Can clearly communicate a school wide ethos of high standards for all.
- Will ensure that the Values are maintained and met across both schools.
What the school offers its staff
We can offer:
- An excellent opportunity to provide strategic leadership and direction while building upon the high standards already in place.
- Polite, well behaved, and hardworking children from a range of backgrounds who respect and care for each other.
- The opportunity to lead a committed, well‑established, and motivated staff team who are driven to continuously raise standards.
- Excellent partnerships between children, staff, parents, governors and the community.
- A federated governing board, consisting of experienced Governors who play an active role in supporting school improvement and maintaining accountability.
- Two schools that play a pivotal role within primary education in the communities they serve.
How to apply
We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and as such anyone who is registered disabled and meets the essential person specification criteria will be shortlisted for interview.
You are encouraged to book a visit to both schools prior to submitting your application. To book please contact Mrs Tina Dean on 01427 668381 or email Tina.dean@willoughton.lincs.sch.uk.
School governors/Headteacher or SBM will be available for a tour of the school.
Application packs are available from the school websites - www.willoughton.lincs.sch.uk www.hemswellcliff.lincs.sch.uk
Completed application forms should be emailed to tina.dean@willoughton.lincs.sch.uk.
Closing date: Friday 8th May, 2026
Shortlisting completed by: Wednesday 13th May, 2026
Interviews will take place on: Wednesday 20th May, 2026
School contact details
Hemswell Cliff Primary School, Caper Ave, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough DN21 5XS. Telephone: 01427 668383 Email: enquiries@hemswellcliff.lincs.sch.uk Website: www.hemswellcliff.lincs.sch.uk
Willoughton Primary School, Northfield Lane, Willoughton, Gainsborough DN21 5RT. Telephone: 01427 668381 Email: enquiries@willoughton.lincs.sch.uk Website: www.willoughton.lincs.sch.uk
We look forward to hearing from you.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Both schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks. Pre-employment checks are in line with " Keeping Children Safe in Education".
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Willoughton Primary School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 44 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Willoughton Primary School website
- Email address
- tina.dean@willoughton.lincs.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01427 668381
Willoughton Primary School is a small rural school at the heart of the community. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, caring and family atmosphere, in which all members of the community can learn and grow together. We are an inclusive school and we have high expectations for all our children and for our school. We cater for children between 4 – 11 years old who are taught in mixed year groups.
Arranging a visit to Willoughton Primary School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email tina.dean@willoughton.lincs.sch.uk.
School location
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