Headteacher
St John's CofE Primary School, Wigan, Lancashire, WN5 0DT38 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
25 January 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
18 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
- L15-L21
What skills and experience we're looking for
St John’s CE Primary School is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our vibrant and inclusive school community. This opportunity arises as our much loved and highly respected Headteacher leaves us after many years of dedicated service.
St John’s prides itself on having a warm and welcoming environment where children feel happy, safe and secure, and where a genuine love of learning grows. The school is committed to nurturing the whole child and recognizing individual strengths. Its carefully designed curriculum promotes academic achievement while offering rich, creative and varied learning experiences. Personal development is a key focus and runs as a continuous thread throughout the curriculum, from Early Years through to Year 6, supporting children to grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate a passion for education and a commitment to improving the life chances of all children.
- Have a proven track record of successful senior leadership in a primary school setting.
- Be an excellent communicator, able to build strong relationships with children, staff, parents and the wider community.
- Lead curriculum development and inspire continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
- Embody the values and vision of St John’s CE Primary School.
- Manage resources effectively to meet the needs of all children, maintaining a well-equipped and stimulating learning environment.
- Further build a culture of continuous professional development providing guidance, mentorship and opportunities for growth to all staff members.
Children are at the heart of everything we do at St John’s; our children have said they would like their new Headteacher to be:
- Kind and helpful.
- Calm and respectful.
- Hardworking.
- Trustworthy and honest.
- Caring.
- Knowledgeable.
- A good listener and someone who makes us feel safe.
- Warm and welcoming.
What the school offers its staff
We can offer you:
- Happy and enthusiastic children who love learning.
- A popular school with a welcoming, caring atmosphere and ethos.
- A dedicated and caring staff team committed to academic and personal development.
- A wide and creative curriculum with exciting learning experiences.
- Strong links with our Church, parents and carers.
- Supportive governance and collaboration within local networks.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Support for your wellbeing to ensure your success as a leader.
Further information about the job
If you wish to visit us at St John’s and tour the school with a member of the Governing Board, please contact the school office on 01942 222133.
If you feel this may be the career opportunity you are looking for, application packs are available from and returnable to michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk or to Michelle Foster, Clerk to the Selection Panel, Governor Services, 2nd Floor, Life Centre South, College Avenue, Wigan WN1 1NZ.
Please note – all applications must be submitted on the Wigan Council application form to the Clerk to the Selection Panel. Applications submitted through a different method will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: Midnight on 25th January 2026
Shortlisting: 30th January 2026
Interview days: 9th and 10th February 2026
St John’s CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulation and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.
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 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.
Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About St John's CofE Primary School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, Church of England, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 192 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk
Arranging a visit to St John's CofE Primary School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk.
School location
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