Headteacher

Priory Primary School, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1JD

20 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  1st September

• Closing date

  6 March 2026 at 11am

• Date listed

  9 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £61,534.00 - £83,860.00 Annually (FTE) HT Group 2

Headteacher job summary

We are seeking an inspirational leader with a strong track to join our empathetic, values-based school. The successful candidate will be a visible, calm and approachable Headteacher, who can build on our strong foundations while leading the school forward ambition and purpose. You will sustain and further develop our culture of high expectations, inclusivity and care, driving excellence in teaching, learning and outcomes across the school.

We are proud of our inclusive ethos, strong sense of belonging and commitment to equity for all. Our dedicated and skilled staff team delivers a rich, engaging and ambitious curriculum that nurtures curiosity, creativity and resilience. Every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their full potential within a safe, nurturing and aspirational environment.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a proven track record of effective school leadership, whether as a serving Headteacher or senior leader within the primary phase
• Is an experienced and credible leader with the vision, resilience and strategic thinking required to inspire staff and pupils alike
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of inclusive education and a deep commitment to meeting the needs of every child
• Has a clear record of raising standards and securing strong outcomes within a diverse community
• Can support, challenge and motivate staff, governors, pupils and families to achieve excellence
• Is an excellent communicator who leads with integrity, empathy and transparency
• Is reflective, forward-thinking and committed to their own professional development and that of the teams they lead

In return, we offer:

• The opportunity to work with wonderful young people and a committed, skilled staff team, and to play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s future
• Participation in key networks including the LEaP Trust which help to maintain the school's local profile.
• A school at the heart of its community, working collaboratively with other schools and the Local Authority to secure the best outcomes for pupils
• An established senior and middle leadership team
• An engaged, supportive and appropriately challenging Governing Body
• A strong commitment to professional learning and development
• The opportunity to lead a school with a clear sense of purpose at the heart of its community

We actively encourage anyone interested in this position to visit the school prior to applying. Informal tours are available on 12th, 13th, 23rd & 24th February 2026.

Please book your place by contacting the School Business Manager, Sardis Barkat: sbarkat@prioryprimary.co.uk

Key Dates:

• Deadline for applications: 6th March 2026 (Midday)
• Shortlisting: 9th March 2026
• Interviews: Friday 20th and Monday 23rd March 2026
• Start Date: 1st September 2026

Priory Primary School has a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects our new Headteacher to share and champion that commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an Enhanced DBS check, Children’s Barred List check, References and other checks.

The school reserves the right to research shortlisted candidates on social media platforms and the internet, and the recruitment panel may take this information into consideration during the recruitment process.

To apply for this post, you need to complete the application form which includes your supporting statement. Your statement should outline how you meet the requirements set in stated essential and/or desirable criteria. CVs alone will not be considered.

Late applications will not be considered.

*The 7-point pay scale within the Group 2 is pending experience

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 Priory Primary School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 202 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Priory Primary School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/priory-primary-school-bedford

Priory Primary is a unique school, ambitious for its diverse community in the heart of Bedford. Class sizes are smaller than average, and we have absolute clarity about our curriculum approach. You will be well supported by our amazing colleagues: teachers, support staff and engaged senior leaders.
All posts are subject to strict safeguarding checks, including a check on any publicly available digital presence, and candidates must share our deep commitment to equality of opportunity.

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