AddressSt John's is a one-form entry single academy trust in the historic Thames-side town of Wallingford in Oxfordshire. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment for our children to fully realise their potential. We have a very strong sense of community, and our values are at the heart of how we work.
As part of the Oxfordshire Primary Education Network (OPEN) umbrella trust - a collaborative partnership of forward thinking primary schools - St John's works closely with three other local schools who act as critical friends to support and challenge each other. The school has a talented and dedicated staff team and is supported by a hard-working PTFA.
Ofsted's most recent inspection, completed in July 2023, found that our staff "feel valued and are proud to work at St John’s" and "go the extra mile to ensure that pupils are happy, safe and successful". They said that pupils "were adamant that everyone is treated fairly and valued as an individual", as well as reporting that they "behave well in lessons and are proud of their work". We would love you to come and see for yourself!
Our current Headteacher, who has been in post for ten years, is taking up a new role at the end of the summer term. Her departure creates a fantastic opportunity to lead a truly exceptional school.
We can offer our new Headteacher:
- A talented, dedicated and hard-working staff team, with support and a strong sense of community
- Inquisitive, energetic and kind pupils
- An active and skilled Governing Board, who provide effective challenge and support
- An engaged and supportive parent body
- A strong commitment to your own Continuing Professional Development – including studying for the NPQH if you do not yet have it
- The opportunity to be part of a highly collaborative umbrella trust of schools, committed to mutual support and sharing best practice
- A bespoke programme of induction, mentoring and coaching, drawing on the experience and expertise of Headteachers in the other OPEN schools as well as external resources
- Regular supervision
We are looking for:
- QTS and a degree level qualification
- Senior leadership experience in a primary environment
- A demonstrable record of raising achievement
- Successful experience of curriculum development
- Good knowledge of the primary curriculum and ability to develop curriculum strategy for the school, supporting staff to deliver it
- Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
- The ability to clearly articulate their vision for leading the school to outstanding quality including outstanding learning and teaching
- The ability to make evidence based decisions
- An open-minded approach to critical self-reflection
- Honesty and integrity
- Good organisation and time management, decisively establishing priorities among competing demands
- Ability to collaborate effectively with partners outside the school
- Good knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practice
