Headteacher

Highover Junior Mixed and Infant School, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 0JP

21 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  27 January 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  17 December 2025

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: L18 to L24

What skills and experience we're looking for

Lead with Vision, Champion Inclusion

Could you lead a school where inclusion isn’t just a value, but a lived experience?

At Highover JMI School in Hitchin, you’ll find a thriving, fully inclusive school with a strong ethos and an established, loyal team. Our motto, ‘Enjoying and Achieving Together’ is reflected in our rich, forward-facing curriculum and our deeply embedded values of kindness, respect and teamwork.

You will join a happy, stable staff team, united by a shared commitment to children and to each other. The culture here is one of trust, care and collaboration; a place where children are confident, curious and kind and where staff are empowered to grow and innovate together.

Make a meaningful impact

As we navigate an evolving context in terms of additional need, we’re seeking a proactive leader with a passion for SEND and for whole school wellbeing, who brings fresh ideas and is eager to contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment.

Our SEND and pastoral provision is recognised as sector-leading, with a dedicated team to support children with complex needs and a strong reputation for inclusive practice. We believe that the right support should benefit all pupils and, as our pupil profile evolves, we’re looking for someone who shares that vision.

This is a role for someone who leads with empathy and strength, inspires trust and makes confident decisions when it counts. You’ll champion inclusion in practice, not just policy—ensuring every child receives the best possible experience.

Navigating change with integrity and vision will be essential, as will the confidence to challenge external bodies when needed.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who’s passionate about making a real difference. With a strong foundation, a dedicated team and a supportive governing board, you’ll have the space to lead with clarity, courage and care—and shape the future of Highover with integrity and heart.

For more information please see the attached candidate pack and visit our website at www.highover.herts.sch.uk

We would also strongly encourage you to visit and see our lovely school in action.

Please apply on the Teach in Herts website, using the standard online application form. CVs will not be considered. Should you need support, please contact leadership.recruitment@hfleducation.org

Highover JMI School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as well as other pre-appointment checks, including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2025).

To help us continue to meet our aspirations of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion.

What the school offers its staff

At Highover JMI, we believe that great leadership flourishes in a culture of trust, support and shared purpose. As our new Headteacher, you’ll be joining a school that is not only successful, but deeply rooted in its values—where inclusion, individuality and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a school that is:

• Outstanding in its provision – with a recent Ofsted judgement that reflects our high standards and inclusive ethos.
• Well-resourced and financially stable – with no deficit budget and a proactive governing body.
• Staffed by a highly experienced and committed team – many of whom have grown professionally within the school.
• Supported by a strong and engaged leadership team – including two deputies with complementary strengths in curriculum and pastoral leadership.
• At the forefront of SEND provision – with the highest number of EHCPs in North Hertfordshire and a dedicated pastoral team working alongside SEND colleagues.
• Connected to its community – with strong relationships with parents, local organisations, and the wider Hitchin Partnership.

We are proud of our staff wellbeing offer, which includes:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Paid time off for personal and family appointments
• Wellbeing days for all staff
• Time off in lieu for extracurricular commitments
• A culture of respect, support and professional autonomy

You’ll be supported by a knowledgeable and pragmatic governing body who understand the challenges of leadership and are committed to supporting you in your new role, and to maintaining the school’s inclusive ethos.

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Upload additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

highover_candidate_pack_finalpdf (1).pdf - 1.71 MB (opens in new tab)

About Highover Junior Mixed and Infant School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 434 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Highover Junior Mixed and Infant School website
• Email address: leadership.recruitment@hfleducation.org
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/highover-junior-mixed-and-infant-school

Arranging a visit to Highover Junior Mixed and Infant School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email leadership.recruitment@hfleducation.org.

School location

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