Acting Headteacher

Teaching Vacancies; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-performing primary school in Bristol is seeking an exceptional Acting Headteacher to lead during the current Headteacher's maternity leave. This role offers the chance to drive standards in a high-achieving environment, while nurturing an inclusive culture. Ideal for experienced leaders committed to excellence in education. Apply by 8th December 2025.

Benefits

Supportive team of staff

Engaged pupils with outstanding behaviour

Ambitious Governing Body

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate secure knowledge of teaching and learning.
• Experience as a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, or senior leader is preferred.
• Ability to maintain high standards and contribute to school improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school during a maternity leave period.
• Drive standards and maintain the school’s high performance.
• Work with dedicated staff and provide a positive environment for pupils.

Skills

High expectations

Evidence-informed knowledge of teaching

Strong track record of school improvement

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Hambrook Primary School is seeking an exceptional Acting Headteacher to lead our thriving, high-achieving school during the maternity leave of our current Headteacher. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead the top-performing primary school in the Local Authority for KS2 SATs results - for the second consecutive year - while continuing to drive excellence and nurture our warm, inclusive culture.

We welcome applications for this position as a secondment opportunity, provided that candidates have the prior agreement of their current Headteacher and/or Governing Body. Our school is hugely oversubscribed, with a strong reputation for excellence in teaching, high expectations, and a warm, inclusive culture. We are immensely proud of our pupils, staff and families - and we are looking for a leader who will continue to drive standards whilst maintaining the high standards already in place.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has the highest expectations of themselves, their team, and every pupil.
• Brings secure, evidence-informed knowledge of teaching and learning, with the ability to raise and sustain standards across the school.
• Is committed to making the right decisions, even when they’re not the easy ones.
• Has a strong track record of school improvement and can build on our current successes.

This is an ideal role for an experienced Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, or senior leader seeking to take the next step in a high-performing, forward-thinking school.

What the school offers its staff

In return, we offer:

• A highly dedicated, skilled and cohesive team of staff.
• Engaged, motivated pupils who demonstrate outstanding behaviour (Ofsted, 2023) and a love of learning.
• A supportive and ambitious Governing Body.
• A school community proud of its success and committed to continuous improvement.

Further details about the role

Visits to the school are strongly encouraged. You will be provided by a tour from our Headteacher and Chair of Governors. Tours are available on the following dates:

• Wednesday 19th November at 9.15am
• Tuesday 25th November at 9am and 10.00am
• Tuesday 2nd December at 9.15am

Please contact the school office at [e-mail] to book a place and request an application pack.

Closing Date: 8th December 2025 at 9am

Shortlisting: 8th December 2025

Interviews: Monday 15th December 2025

Panel decision making: Tuesday 16th December 2025

Hambrook 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 subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Commitment to safeguarding

Hambrook Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.