Head of The Larch (Primary Phase)

Simon Balle All-Through School, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 8AJ

14 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  11 March 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  25 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £78,215.00 - £82,084.00 Annually (FTE) L17 - L19

Head of The Larch (Primary Phase) job summary

Co-headteacher’s welcome

As an Ofsted-outstanding all-through school, we pride ourselves on strategic leadership, across our senior leadership team, which enables students from age 4 to 18, to achieve, belong and thrive.

We are now looking, in this newly-created leadership role, for an experienced and successful primary senior leader to lead our Larch (two-form entry primary phase), under the direction of our co-headteachers and deputy headteachers, and in collaboration with the whole SLT. This is a unique role as the successful applicant will not only be accountable for the progress of students within each key stage of the primary phase, but will also have a deep understanding of, and connection with, our all-through ethos, vision, values, policies and practices.

Simon Balle is an exceptional place to work, in which we truly believe that there is no tension between the highest academic standards and wonderful enrichment opportunities, to provide every student with an outstanding holistic education. Successful applicants will have the drive to maximise achievement and potential for students in all parts of school life.

Simon Balle is a highly inclusive school, and thus all leaders believe in, and act upon, removing barriers to learning, through a strong partnership with parents, rigorous implementation of well-designed plans, and, perhaps most importantly, a consistent access to the highest quality of education. Applicants for this leadership role will have a proven track record in enabling vulnerable students to thrive, academically and socially. The role provides the opportunity to lead and develop provision for all learners, including students with SEND and those eligible for Pupil Premium, and to engage in safeguarding responsibilities. While support and guidance will be provided as needed, experience in these areas would be advantageous.

At Simon Balle, we are relentless in our quest for ‘Creating tomorrow’s citizens today.’ Our successful Head of the Larch will model our twelve values with consistency, value being a part of our dynamic leadership team and daily strive for excellence - our students deserve nothing less.

If you are interested in learning more and applying for the post, please email creaseyj@simonballe.herts.sch.uk.

In addition to the completed application form we would like you to attach a statement (no longer than 2 sides of A4- font 12) which addresses the opportunities and challenges of leading a large primary phase within an all-through school.

As a member of the Simon Balle Community, we can offer you the following benefits in:

Health

GP helpline - appointments 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Physiotherapy with personalised treatment plans delivered face to face or on the telephone. A weight management 12 week programme in partnership with Slimming World. SAS Gym app - access to exercise programmes. Use of school pool and gym facilities and weekly staff-run swimming and fitness classes.

Wellbeing

Including Mindfulness and stress management - virtual programmes and sessions, Feeling Good app to improve mental health and performance in work and social settings. Individual counselling and therapy sessions. Wellbeing telephone support for menopause, bereavement, cancer & chronic illness, mens health and mental wellbeing plus maternity support.

We have a dedicated staff wellbeing committee and regular staff social events

Finance

All staff will automatically be enrolled in a pension scheme with either the Teachers' Pension Service or the Local Government Pension Scheme. Flexible working to support our staff we offer flexible working opportunities; job share arrangements and part-time working wherever possible. Free car parking and free eye tests for display screen equipment users.

We offer terms and conditions in line with the School Teacher's Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), the Burgundy Book (for Teachers) and Hertfordshire's Future Workforce (for Support Staff).

A Commitment to reducing staff workload.

A comprehensive CPD programme with fantastic staff feedback.

Apply now if you have what it takes to make a difference!

Simon Balle All-through School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are committed to a policy of openness and equality of opportunity in the employment of staff. We will not condone discrimination on the grounds of the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. It is our central responsibility to ensure that every individual that we come into contact with is treated with dignity and respect.

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 Simon Balle All-Through School

• School type: Academy, ages 4 to 18
• Education phase: All through school
• School size: 1561 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Simon Balle All-Through School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/simon-balle-all-through-school

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