Headteacher
John Keats Primary School, London, SE16 3FN15 days remaining to apply
Start date details
January 2027 or April 2027
Closing date
16 October 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
1 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £84,841.00 - £96,594.00 Annually (FTE) Range may be broadened commensurate with experience.
Headteacher job summary
Core Role
Headteachers occupy an influential position in society and shape the teaching profession. They are lead professionals and significant role models within the communities they serve. The values and ambitions of headteachers determine the achievements of schools. They are accountable for the education of current and future generations of children. Their leadership has a decisive impact on the quality of teaching and pupils’ achievements in the nation’s classrooms.
Headteachers lead by example the professional conduct and practice of teachers in a way that minimises unnecessary teacher workload and leaves room for high quality continuous professional development for staff.
Strategic Direction and Development of the School
Hold and articulate clear values and moral purpose, focused on providing a world-class education for the pupils they serve.
Sustain wide, current knowledge and understanding of education and school systems locally, nationally, and globally, and pursue continuous professional development.
Work with political and financial astuteness, within a clear set of principles centred on the school’s vision, ably translating local and national policy into the school’s context.
Communicate compellingly the school’s vision and drive the strategic leadership, empowering all pupils and staff to excel.
Ensure that the school’s systems, organisation, and processes are well considered, efficient and fit for purpose, upholding the principles of transparency, integrity, and probity.
Exercise strategic, curriculum-led financial planning to ensure the equitable deployment of budgets and resources, in the best interests of pupils’ achievements and the school’s sustainability.
Create outward-facing schools in NEST, which collaborate with other schools and organisations - in a climate of mutual challenge - to champion best practice and secure excellent achievements for all pupils.
Challenge educational orthodoxies in the best interests of achieving excellence, harnessing the findings of well evidenced research to frame self- regulating and self-improving schools
Leadership and Management of Pupil Achievement, Progress and Safety
Demand ambitious standards for all pupils, overcoming disadvantage and advancing equality, instilling a strong sense of accountability in staff for the impact of their work on pupils’ outcomes.
Ensure that pupil safety is at the centre of all of the school’s functions, in particular strategic planning, and resource management.
Provide a safe, calm, and well-ordered environment for all pupils and staff, focused on safeguarding pupils and developing their exemplary behaviour in school and in the wider society.
Ensure an aspirational culture and ethos of challenge and support where all children can achieve success and become engaged in their own learning and the learning of others.
Ensure a consistent and continuous school-wide focus on pupils’ achievement, using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every student’s learning.
Create and maintain an environment which promotes good behaviour, discipline and celebrates success
Ensure collaboration with other agencies in providing for the intellectual, spiritual, moral, cultural, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of the children.
Further information about the job
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.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About John Keats Primary School
- Organisation type
- Free School, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- Size
- 362 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
At John Keats Primary School, we believe that every child’s potential is boundless, and we are dedicated to helping them soar. Our unwavering high expectations ensure that each child achieves exceptional progress, thriving in an environment where they are truly cherished. Supported by a passionate and devoted staff team, we are committed to nurturing not just the child but their family, creating a community built on care, trust, and excellence.
We are driven by the belief that every child has the ability to shine. By fostering their confidence, uncovering their talents, and fuelling their aspirations, we empower our pupils to lay the foundations for lifelong success. From their very first steps with us, we provide a forward-thinking, aspirational education that prepares them to navigate their future with determination and resilience.
Our inspiring curriculum is designed to go beyond academics, developing the whole child. Learning at John Keats is enriched by extensive opportunities outside the classroom, from stimulating school trips and visits to an impressive variety of clubs and activities. With exceptional indoor and outdoor facilities, children are encouraged to explore their interests, build new skills, and create lasting memories.
Our unique location enhances our offer further, enabling partnerships, networks, and collaborative projects with a wide range of organisations. These relationships bring exciting, real-world experiences to our pupils and professional growth for our staff, adding depth and richness to our community.
At the heart of our success is the vibrant, close-knit community that thrives here at John Keats. The strong bonds between staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community create a safe, supportive atmosphere where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to take on the world.
"Join Us in Empowering Every Child:
A Community of Care, Trust, and Excellence at John Keats Primary School"
School location
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