Sandown Primary School and Nursery

The Ridge, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2AA

Summary

• School name: Sandown Primary School and Nursery
• Address: The Ridge, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2AA
• School type: Local authority maintained school, ages 2 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• Age range: 2 to 11
• Size: 472 pupils enrolled
• Website address: http://www.sandown.school (opens in new tab)

About Sandown Primary School and Nursery

 
Sandown Primary School and Nursery is seeking to appoint an ambitious and values-driven Headteacher to lead our two-form entry (Group 3) Local Authority maintained school, serving a diverse community in Hastings, East Sussex.

Judged ‘Good’ by OFSTED in January 2025, Sandown is well placed for its next phase of development. We are not part of an academy trust, valuing instead the professional autonomy and local accountability this brings, while working in close partnership with ten local schools through the East Hastings Alliance, supporting collaboration, shared practice and system leadership

Set within 12 acres of extensive grounds, including a diverse, wooded environment, Sandown provides exceptional opportunities for sport, outdoor learning and our distinctive Sandown Outdoors approach — learning in, about and through our natural environment. This forms a key pillar of our curriculum intent and our commitment to developing children’s Cultural Capital.

We are proud of our experienced, skilled and committed staff team, who work collaboratively to design and deliver a curriculum tailored to the needs of our children. Staff wellbeing and work–life balance are genuine priorities, recognised as essential to sustaining high performance and positive culture.

The Role


The Headteacher will provide strategic, instructional and operational leadership, ensuring that:

• A clear and compelling vision for the school is articulated and lived


• High-quality teaching and learning are consistently secured


• The curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to pupil need


• Safeguarding, equality and wellbeing are embedded across the school


• Resources, systems and structures are deployed effectively to support impact


• Strong relationships with governors, the Local Authority and partner schools are maintained

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Demonstrate leadership aligned to the NPQH and Headship Standards


• Set and sustain a culture of high expectations, professional trust and continuous improvement


• Lead curriculum development that builds knowledge, skills and Cultural Capital


• Develop, support and retain staff through effective people and talent management


• Use evidence and data intelligently to inform strategic decision-making


• Engage confidently with accountability, governance and external stakeholders


• Contribute beyond the school through collaboration within the East Hastings Alliance

We Offer:

• A well-established Local Authority school with a strong community identity


• A committed, experienced staff team open to innovation and professional growth


• Extensive outdoor learning provision and a distinctive curriculum offer


• Opportunities for system leadership through local partnership working


• A supportive governing body and Local Authority


• A leadership role where wellbeing and work–life balance are genuinely valued

This is an exciting opportunity for a Headteacher who is passionate about making a difference through high-quality education, inclusive leadership and a belief in the potential of every child.

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.

Location and map

The Ridge, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2AA

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