[261008A] Head of School

Stuart Road Primary Academy; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TPS pension

Career progression

Job summary

Stuart Road Primary Academy in Plymouth is seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead our staff and pupils. You will provide visible, inspirational leadership, champion high standards in teaching, safeguarding and wellbeing, and work closely with families and Reach South Academy Trust.

The role offers a competitive leadership salary and a permanent, full-time contract with a 1FTE per week commitment, plus a supportive, values-driven environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Ambitious, passionate and highly collaborative school leader with vision, energy and commitment to inspire pupils, staff and the wider school community.
• Experience leading school improvement and high standards in teaching and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, visionary leadership that inspires staff, pupils and the wider community.
• Drive school improvement and raise outcomes for all children.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, inclusion and achievement.
• Lead and develop a talented team through coaching, collaboration and professional development.
• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection.
• Foster strong partnerships with parents, governors, the Trust and external agencies.
• Create a positive, nurturing environment where both children and staff can thrive.

Job description

About this Role

Post: Head of School

Location: Stuart Road Primary Academy, Palmerston St, Stoke, Plymouth PL1 5LL

FTE Salary Range: Leadership Scale L7 - L13; £60,145 - £69,596

Contract Type: Permanent, full time

Contract Hours: 1FTE per week, Monday to Friday

Lead Inclusive Excellence. Shape the Future. Transform Lives.

This is a rare opportunity to join Reach South Academy Trust at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation in education.

Are you an ambitious, passionate and highly collaborative school leader? Do you have the vision, energy and commitment to inspire pupils, staff and the wider school community?

Stuart Road Primary School, part of Reach South Academy Trust, is seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Head of School.

Following our successful Ofsted inspection in January 2026, our staff and children proudly describe Stuart Road as having the feel of "a village in a city" We hold a strong sense of community, belonging and shared purpose that makes our school such a special place to learn and work.

As Head of School, you will lead a highly capable and talented team, building on the school’s strengths while maintaining an uncompromising ambition for every child to continue to succeed and flourish. You will provide visible, inspirational leadership, champion excellent teaching and learning, and work collaboratively with colleagues, families and the wider Trust to secure the very best outcomes for all of our pupils.

Working closely with the Regional Director, Trust leaders, governors, staff, families and external partners, you will lead the strategic and operational development of the academy, championing high standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead our wonderful school, shape its next chapter and make a lasting difference to the children and community we serve.

About the Role

As Head of School, you will:

• Provide clear, visionary leadership that inspires staff, pupils and the wider community.
• Drive school improvement and raise outcomes for all children.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, inclusion and achievement.
• Lead and develop a talented team through coaching, collaboration and professional development.
• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection.
• Foster strong partnerships with parents, governors, the Trust and external agencies.
• Create a positive, nurturing environment where both children and staff can thrive.

Why Join Reach South?

• Be part of an ambitious Trust surrounded expertise
• Benefit from close support from executive leadership
• Work in a collaborative, values-led environment
• Play a central role in a school improvement journey with real impact

Closing date

for applications is midnight 1 November 2026

Interview Date

All shortlisted candidates will be required to visit Stuart Road as part of the interview process. This visit is a vital part of the process and provides an opportunity to experience the culture and ethos of our Trust first-hand.

This visit will take place on 16 November 2026 (1 hour approximately)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Assessment Day on 1, 2 or 3 December 2026.

Successful candidates from the Assessment Day (Day 1) will be invited to attend an interview (Day 2) on either 7 or 8 December 2026.

Opportunities and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.

We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.