Head of School

Swaffham Meadow Primary School, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7HL

13 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027

• Closing date

  7 October 2026 at 1am

• Date listed

  24 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: Competitive leadership spine

Head of School job summary

Part of the Sapientia Education Trust 

Tel: 01953 609012

Email: ea@setrust.co.uk  

• Salary: Competitive- on the leadership spine 
• Permanent 
• Full Time 
• Required January 2027 

 

Lead a school. Shape its future.

Are you ready for the next stage in your career? 

This is a rare opportunity to become Head of School at Swaffham Meadows Primary School during an exciting period of transformation and growth. 

Having recently joined Sapientia Education Trust, the school has embarked on a new chapter with a refreshed identity, ambitious vision, and plans to expand from its current small-school setting towards one-form entry, including the development of a new school building. 

We're seeking an inspirational and ambitious leader who is passionate about school improvement, committed to achieving the very best outcomes for children, and excited by the opportunity to shape the future of a growing school community. 

What you'll bring: 

• Successful leadership experience within a primary setting 
• A proven track record of driving school improvement 
• High expectations for pupils, staff and outcomes 
• A passion for developing outstanding teaching and learning 
• The ability to build a positive, inclusive school culture 
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills 

Why join Sapientia Education Trust? 

• Extensive leadership support from experienced education professionals 
• Access to specialist expertise in curriculum, SEND, safeguarding and school improvement 
• Strong professional development opportunities across a growing trust of schools 
• Teachers' Pension Scheme and Sodexo staff benefits package 
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on a school with enormous potential 

If you're a visionary leader ready to build on strong foundations and help create something truly special, we'd love to hear from you. 

If you would like to visit the school or would like an informal discussion, please contact Briony Rigwell – Executive Assistant to the CEO by calling 01953 609012 or emailing - ea@setrust.co.uk  

Apply today and be part of the next chapter at Swaffham Meadows Primary School. 

How to apply: 

A recruitment pack is available from ‘Attachments’. 

For this vacancy, if you click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button, you will be redirected to our Trust’s website to apply via the online application form. Please explain how your experiences to date equip you to lead a world class education at Swaffham Meadows Primary School. Please limit to 1000 words. 

The Interview Process:  

- Candidates will be shortlisted 

- Psychometric tests will be sent for completion 

- References will be requested 

The interview process will be 1 assessment day and will include: 

- Lesson observation  

- Values based interview 

- Pupil panel  

- School Improvement task 

- Learning Walk 

- Meetings with staff 

- Final panel, including presentation 

Applications will be considered upon receipt; therefore, early applications are encouraged.  

Closing Date: 7 October 2026 

Interview Date: 12 October 2026 

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, therefore all applicants must be prepared to undergo a number of checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. The Trust welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. In accordance with the Department of Education’s “Keeping Children Safe in Education”, references will be sought on all short-listed candidates before interview. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. 

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

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

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 Swaffham Meadow Primary School

• Organisation type: Academy, Roman Catholic, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 61 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Swaffham Meadow Primary School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/sacred-heart-catholic-voluntary-aided-primary-school-swaffham

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