Headteacher

Bickershaw CofE Primary School, Wigan, Lancashire, WN2 4AE

38 days remaining to apply

Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
14 April 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
7 March 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
Contract type: Permanent
Pay scale: L12 - L18

What skills and experience we're looking for

Bickershaw CofE Primary School is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our vibrant and inclusive school community. This opportunity arises as our much loved and highly respected Headteacher retires after many years of dedicated service.

The successful candidate will lead our school through its next exciting chapter, building on the strengths highlighted in our recent successful SIAMS and Ofsted inspections, and enabling every member of our school community to thrive and succeed.

The ideal candidate will:

Demonstrate a passion for education and a commitment to improving the life chances of all children.
Have a proven track record of successful senior leadership in a primary school setting.
Be an excellent communicator, able to build strong relationships with children, staff, parents and the wider community.
Lead curriculum development and inspire continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
Embody the values and vision of Bickershaw CofE Primary School.
Manage resources effectively to meet the needs of all children, maintaining a well-equipped and stimulating learning environment.
Further build a culture of continuous professional development providing guidance, mentorship and opportunities for growth to all staff members.

What the school offers its staff

Children are at the heart of everything we do at Bickershaw, and we pride ourselves on having a warm and welcoming environment where children feel happy, safe and secure, and where a genuine love of learning grows. The school is committed to nurturing the whole child and recognizing individual strengths. Its carefully designed curriculum promotes academic achievement while offering rich, creative and varied learning experiences. Personal development is a key focus and runs as a continuous thread throughout the curriculum, from Early Years through to Year 6, supporting children to grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.

Our Christian vision is firmly rooted in the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the constant at the centre of our lives. Inspired by the life of Christ, as a guide, friend and comforter, we share the Gospel, aiming to meet the challenges of a constantly changing world.

Bickershaw CofE Primary School has a strong sense of community where everyone is respected, included and valued. We aim to ensure that all pupils succeed, regardless of their backgrounds, diverse needs and starting points, enabling them to achieve their academic and spiritual potential. Our environment fosters positive relationships where individuals feel nurtured and supported.

Our Christian Values, firmly rooted in the bible, encourage all to be self-motivated, caring, resilient and responsible citizens, celebrating differences and ensuring that all flourish. All in our school community are encouraged to support each other and those in local, national and global communities.

We can offer you:

Happy and enthusiastic children who love learning.
A popular school with a welcoming, caring atmosphere and ethos.
A dedicated and caring staff team committed to academic and personal development.
A wide and creative curriculum with exciting learning experiences.
Strong links with our Church, parents and carers.
Supportive governance and collaboration within local networks.
Opportunities for professional development.
Support for your wellbeing to ensure your success as a leader.

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.

If you wish to visit us at Bickershaw and tour the school with a member of the Governing Board, please contact the school office on 01942 866317.

If you feel this may be the career opportunity you are looking for, application packs are available from and returnable to michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk or to Michelle Foster, Clerk to the Selection Panel, Governor Services, 2nd Floor, Life Centre South, College Avenue, Wigan WN1 1NZ.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 14th April 2026

Shortlisting: 20th April 2026

Interview days: 30th April and 1st May 2026

Bickershaw CofE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulation, and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

As part of the shortlisting process, online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates in accordance with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Bickershaw CofE Primary School is within the Diocese of Liverpool.

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.