Headteacher

Hook Norton Church of England Primary School, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5JS

40 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  19 January 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  10 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
• Full-time equivalent salary: L15 - L21

What skills and experience we're looking for

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Honours degree (or equivalent)
• Qualified Teacher Status
• Substantial, successful teaching experience in primary education
• Recent successful Leadership and Management experience
• Experience of raising standards for all pupils, including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, with clear evidence of impact
• Secure knowledge of safeguarding requirements and best practice
• Strong understanding of the primary curriculum and recent developments
• Experience of supporting children with SEND in an inclusive setting
• Understanding of the role of parents as partners in education
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Proven track record of securing high standards in teaching, learning and outcomes
• Strong understanding and application of effective pedagogy and evidence-informed practice
• Ability to lead, inspire and manage change effectively
• Successful experience of developing a positive behaviour culture and inclusive learning environment
• Ability to analyse data, identify priorities and plan strategically
• Strong communication skills – articulate, approachable, an excellent listener

Personal qualities

Essential

• Confident, articulate and able to communicate effectively to all stakeholders
• An excellent role model for all pupils and staff, demonstrating personal integrity and resilience
• Commitment to the Christian ethos and values of Hook Norton C of E Primary School
• Ability to motivate, encourage and empower staff at all levels
• Reflective, visible leader with a genuine love of working with children
• Commitment to staff well-being, collaboration and professional growth. A compassionate leader.

What the school offers its staff

A vibrant, inclusive village school

• Amazing, well behaved pupils who enjoy coming to school, are keen to learn, and who take pride in their school.
• A strong family ethos and positive, respectful relationships.
• A committed, experienced hard working, caring staff team with a clear sense of shared purpose
• An experienced, established leadership team.
• Active and supportive governors and parent community, including Friends of Hook Norton School (FOHNS).

Rich curriculum and opportunities

• A broad, knowledge-rich curriculum with strong foundations in English, Mathematics, Humanities and Science which focus around a termly “Big Question”
• Wide-ranging opportunities in the arts, music, sport, trips and residentials
• Forest School and extensive outdoor learning through Opal Play.
• Close partnership with local schools, particularly through the Chipping Norton School Partnership and international links

Professional fulfilment

As Headteacher you will:

• Shape the strategic direction of a successful school with strong community roots
• Lead a skilled team, developing leadership at all levels
• Work with governors and the local authority to sustain school improvement
• Have opportunities to engage with system leadership through local networks and partnerships

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.

Hook Norton - Headteacher Application Pack Final.pdf - 214 KB (opens in new tab)

About Hook Norton Church of England Primary School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, Church of England, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 273 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Hook Norton Church of England Primary School website
• Email address: joe.williams@hook-norton.oxon.sch.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/hook-norton-church-of-england-primary-school

Hook Norton C of E Primary School has served the community of Hook Norton and the surrounding villages as a church controlled school for over a hundred years. As a Voluntary Controlled Church of England school we aim to reflect our Christian foundation in all aspects of school life. The school is a modern, purpose built design set in very attractive grounds on the Sibford Road on the outskirts of Hook Norton. It is bright and airy and very well maintained inside and out. All children are welcomed into a caring, committed atmosphere, which promotes an attitude of mutual tolerance and understanding. Each child is nurtured and encouraged to give their best in all aspects of school and community life. On leaving, they are confident to make the most of the opportunities ahead of them having experienced the best possible education that follows from the school’s aims and objectives.

Arranging a visit to Hook Norton Church of England Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joe.williams@hook-norton.oxon.sch.uk.

School location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in Oxfordshire