Head of School

Motcombe CofE Primary School, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9NT

14 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027 or as soon as possible after this.

• Closing date

  9 October 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  25 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £60,145.00 - £66,368.00 Annually (Actual) Leadership Pay Scale: L7 - L11

Head of School job summary

Salary: Leadership Pay Scale: L7 - L11, £60,145 - £66,368 (starting point negotiable subject to skills, experience etc. Salary is quoted prior to any pay award in 2026)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

We are seeking an exceptional and inspirational Head of School to lead the day-to-day life of our school from January 2027 (or as soon as possible after this).

Working closely with the Executive Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the culture, ethos and continued development of the school. You will provide visible, values-led leadership, creating a safe, inclusive and ambitious environment where every child and member of staff is supported to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for a leader who is passionate about education, committed to high standards and able to build positive, respectful relationships across the whole school community. You will have a strong focus on the quality of teaching and learning, pupil achievement, behaviour and ensuring that the needs of every child are met.

This is a hands-on leadership role, with the successful candidate also undertaking some classroom teaching alongside their leadership and management responsibilities.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an ambitious, inspirational and values-driven leader who puts children at the heart of every decision.
• Can work collaboratively with the Executive Headteacher and wider school community to drive school improvement.
• Has high expectations for teaching, learning, behaviour and pupil achievement.
• Builds strong, positive relationships with pupils, staff, families and the wider community.
• Is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment in which everyone can thrive.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and a strong commitment to continuous professional development.

Please see the attached recruitment pack for further details of the role including the job description and person specification.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed school leader to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of our pupils, while contributing to the continued success and development of our school. If you are an ambitious leader who shares our commitment to excellence, inclusion and ensuring every child reaches their potential, we would love to hear from you.

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Matt Barge, Executive Headteacher based at St Mary the Virgin CE Primary School on matt.barge@sast.org.uk or 01747 824446.

Should you wish to arrange a visit to view the school, please do not hesitate to contact Amanda Brown, School Administrator by emailing office@motcombeprimary.co.uk

SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role will include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Motcombe CofE Primary School

• Organisation type: Academy, Church of England, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 146 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Motcombe CofE Primary School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/motcombe-cofe-primary-school

Motcombe CE Primary School is a successful village school surrounded by beautiful North Dorset countryside and situation between the towns of Gillingham and Shaftesbury. The school offers an experienced and dedicated staff who are all committed to providing the best possible education for all pupils whilst developing the talents and abilities of the ‘whole child’. Our school motto is ‘Faith and Friendship, Learning and Laughter’.

At Motcombe Primary School we strive to promote the values of our Christian faith throughout daily life and take pride in our Christian ethos. Our strong partnerships with the church and local community enhance children’s knowledge and understanding of or faith. It is these values that we hope our children will take with them into their future lives.

School location

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