Principal

Orchard Meadow Primary School, Oxford, OX4 6BG

7 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  20 January 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  13 January 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
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: Competitive salary plus benefits package

What skills and experience we're looking for

Orchard Meadow Primary School is brimming with opportunity and ready for a leader who believes anything is possible. We are dedicated to delivering an exceptional education for every child, and this is your chance to make a genuine impact on the local community and shape the future for our pupils.

As our new Principal, you will steer the school through an exciting phase of growth, inspiring a vibrant and purposeful learning environment where all children can thrive. You’ll be empowered to drive innovation and raise standards, fully supported by United Learning’s expertise in education, finance, HR and technology. Your vision and energy will be key in unlocking the school’s full potential.

We are seeking a leader who is passionate about outstanding academic achievement and can inspire staff and pupils alike to reach new heights. If you bring a dynamic approach to leadership and possess the motivation to drive further improvement, Orchard Meadow is ready for your bold ideas and commitment to excellence.

United Learning is deeply committed to the progress, success and safeguarding of every child and young person. By joining our family of schools, you’ll not only lead your own school but also contribute to a wider network where collaboration brings greater progress, professional development opportunities and enriching experiences for all.

United Learning values diversity and inclusion, and we are determined to build a vibrant and representative workforce. We warmly welcome applications from professionals of all backgrounds who share our commitment to equality.

If you are ready to take on a truly inspirational and highly rewarding role within a Group that champions professional growth and development, and if you’re passionate about changing lives for the better, we encourage you to visit us and discover what makes Orchard Meadow so special.

Further information

To arrange an informal discussion about this transformative opportunity, and to arrange an informal visit to Orchard Meadow, please contact Alex Pearson – Regional Director (alex.pearson@unitedlearning.org.uk).

What the school offers its staff

Orchard Meadow Primary is a two-form entry school for children aged 3 to 11 including nursery provision. We proudly serve the children and families of Blackbird Leys in Oxford and welcome children from the surrounding areas.

We want our children to become responsible, determined individuals who love to learn and are committed to providing the best level of education, care, wider services and opportunities to our children and families. We aim to provide high quality education that ensures children learn knowledge, skills and behaviours that will set the foundation for their futures as productive, happy adults. We pride ourselves on the relationships that we build and have a committed team of staff and governors, as well as being supported by students and volunteers from the wider community. This ensures that our school constantly improves and grows.

We love to have visitors so please come and see us for yourself!

Orchard Meadow Primary School is part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education to children and young people across England.

United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check. We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

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

Orchard Meadow Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post involves the type of work with children and young people that requires applicants to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post. All users are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.

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.

Orchard Meadow Primary School_Principal app pack_v1.pdf - 4.78 MB (opens in new tab)

About Orchard Meadow Primary School

• School type: Academy, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 217 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Orchard Meadow Primary School website
• Email address: philippa.beckett@unitedlearning.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/orchard-meadow-primary-school-ox4-6bg

Orchard Meadow is located in Blackbird Leys on the outskirts of Oxford. We proud to be a diverse school with high ambitions and expectations, which is reflected in our school values and curriculum.

Everything we do is values driven and linked to PRIDE – our school motto. Learn more about our ‘PRIDE’ values here and see some examples of our students’ many achievements on the pages of this site. Every day we want pupils to feel proud of themselves and what they can offer their community as active, enquiring, compassionate citizens.

Above all, we want our learners to be happy and feel inspired by the joy of learning. Being a pupil at Orchard Meadow is an opportunity to find out something new, be creative, be challenged and, most importantly, feel valued.

We are a school family and this ethos is supported by daily ‘family meetings’, which help pupils to feel calm, safe and ready to learn. Our commitment to pupil well-being is supplemented by a bespoke curriculum and a broad offer which includes enrichment activities for all, mentoring and therapeutic interventions.

School location

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