Headteacher
St James CofE Aided Primary School, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 6DH36 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
23 March 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
13 February 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: Monday to Friday
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- London Fringe L8-L15
What skills and experience we're looking for
Due to the well-earned retirement of our current Headteacher, we are looking for a driven and passionate leader to join our forward thinking and ambitious school, and the successful candidate will share our commitment, ambition and belief in the unique value and potential of every child.
This is a wonderful opportunity to lead a school with a distinctive family atmosphere, a diverse community and an exciting future ahead.
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Bring proven leadership experience with a track record of successful school improvement.
- Be passionate about inclusion, pupil well-being and academic excellence.
- Be collaborative, empathetic and forward-thinking, with resilience and a sense of humour.
- Share our Christian vision and communicate it with clarity, warmth and authenticity.
- Be visible, approachable and wholeheartedly involved in daily school life.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and Inspire: Lead and deliver our strategic vision while upholding our Christian values.
Champion the holistic development of every child: ensure every young person receives high-quality education, personalised support, continuing to nurture a culture where children feel known, valued and celebrated.
Develop Staff Excellence: Inspire, support and empower our committed staff team.
Engage the Community: Foster strong relationships with parents, governors and the wider community.
Ensure Compliance and Accountability: Oversee safeguarding, SEND, health and safety, and statutory responsibilities, representing the school with integrity and maintaining the highest standards of governance
What the school offers its staff
We Offer:
- A beautiful rural setting with a strong and proud village identity.
- Friendly, enthusiastic and curious children who love learning.
- A dedicated and caring staff team fully committed to our shared vision.
- Supportive and engaged governors who promote collaboration and positive challenge.
- A community where Christian values are lived out every day.
- A strong partnership with the local St James’ church.
- The opportunity of leading a school with a truly special family atmosphere and exciting future
Further information about the job
What Makes St James Special?
Community-centred: We are a vibrant hub within our village and beyond, enriched by strong partnerships with parents, the local church and the wider community.
Holistic development: We celebrate diversity and nurture open-mindedness, curiosity, empathy and well-being — developing confident, independent learners who collaborate and support one another.
High expectations: Our motto, “Bringing Out The Best,” reflects our belief in every child’s capacity to succeed through joyful, meaningful and purposeful learning experiences.
Shared ambition: We work together to empower children to become motivated, responsible individuals who contribute positively to society.
Interviews:
Interviews will take place on 22 and 23 April 2026.
Commitment to safeguarding
St James is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About St James CofE Aided Primary School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, Church of England, ages 2 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 215 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- St James CofE Aided Primary School website
- Email address
- info@st-james-elstead.surrey.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01252 703248
Nestled at the heart of our village community, St James is a one-form entry school located just south of Guildford, close to the A3, with a special family atmosphere; it is a place where children truly flourish. Recent Ofsted and SIAMS inspections both recognised our commitment to nurturing well-rounded children who demonstrate compassion, confidence, resilience and creativity, equipping them with the vital life skills and positive habits for the future.
Rooted in our Christian vision, our school’s ethos shapes every aspect of daily life, underpinned by our core Christian values of wisdom, service, friendship and courage. Our rich, welcoming and inclusive curriculum fosters a lifelong love of learning, offering many wider learning opportunities and has a distinctive family atmosphere, a diverse community and an exciting future ahead.
Arranging a visit to St James CofE Aided Primary School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email info@st-james-elstead.surrey.sch.uk.
School location
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