Assistant Headteacher (St Leonards CE Primary Academy)

East Sussex County Council; St Leonards; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

St Leonards CE Primary Academy is seeking an inspirational and ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. You will lead EYFS, KS1 and Early Reading and Phonics, shaping teaching and learning across the academy.

Working with the Headteacher, Governors and the Diocese, you will drive whole‑school improvement, coach colleagues, analyse data to raise achievement and uphold our Christian vision and safeguarding commitments.

Qualifications

• Outstanding classroom practitioner with high expectations for all pupils.
• Successful leadership experience within a primary school and is able to contribute strategically to academy improvement.
• Strong understanding of EYFS, KS1, Early Reading and Phonics and a proven track record of improving outcomes.
• Ability to lead, motivate and inspire colleagues through coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Uses assessment and progress data effectively to evaluate impact and drive improvement.
• Models respect, integrity and kindness in all relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead EYFS and KS1, ensuring consistently high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.
• Lead Early Reading and Phonics across the academy.
• Lead effective coaching and mentoring through modelling outstanding practice.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership, improvement and development of the academy.
• Support monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance activities including lesson observations, work scrutiny and data analysis.
• Lead PSHE and co‑lead Mental Health and Wellbeing.
• Support curriculum development alongside subject leaders.
• Ensure strong transition arrangements within and between phases.
• Undertake the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure safeguarding remains central to all practice.
• Maintain a teaching commitment of approximately one day per week, supporting middle leaders and ECTs where required.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching & mentoring

Assessment data analysis

Safeguarding knowledge

Relationship building

Job description

Salary: £57,699 to £66,956 per annum.
Contract type: Permanent.
Working pattern: Full-time.

Closing date: Tuesday 20 October, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Interview date: Friday 23 October, 2023

St Leonards CE Primary Academy is seeking an inspirational and ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional practitioner and leader with expertise in EYFS, KS1, Early Reading and Phonics to play a key role in shaping the future of our thriving Church of England Academy. We are looking for a leader who is passionate about raising achievement, developing colleagues and ensuring every child receives the very best education.

Working with the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and Governors, you will contribute strategically to whole‑school improvement whilst leading EYFS, KS1, Early Reading and Phonics. You will be committed to our Christian vision and values and passionate about achieving the very best outcomes for every child.

Requirements

• Is an outstanding classroom practitioner with high expectations for all pupils.
• Has successful leadership experience within a primary school and is able to contribute strategically to academy improvement.
• Has a strong understanding of EYFS, KS1, Early Reading and Phonics and a proven track record of improving outcomes.
• Can lead, motivate and inspire colleagues through effective coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Uses assessment and progress data effectively to evaluate impact and drive improvement.
• Models respect, integrity and kindness in all relationships.
• Promotes a culture where children feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their full potential.
• Inspires determination, resilience and ambition in both pupils and staff.
• Is committed to upholding and promoting our Christian vision and values.
• Builds strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors, the church and wider community.
• Has an unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead EYFS and KS1, ensuring consistently high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.
• Lead Early Reading and Phonics across the academy.
• Lead effective coaching and mentoring through modelling outstanding practice.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership, improvement and development of the academy.
• Support monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance activities including lesson observations, work scrutiny and data analysis.
• Lead PSHE and co‑lead Mental Health and Wellbeing.
• Support curriculum development alongside subject leaders.
• Ensure strong transition arrangements within and between phases.
• Undertake the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure safeguarding remains central to all practice.
• Maintain a teaching commitment of approximately one day per week, supporting middle leaders and ECTs where required.

Benefits

• The opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a thriving Church of England academy.
• A supportive and experienced Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body committed to excellence for all.
• Extensive professional development opportunities through our academy, hub network and Diocese of Chichester Academies Trust.
• A vibrant learning environment that includes Forest School provision, sports hall, sensory garden, allotment and extensive grounds.
• Enthusiastic children who enjoy learning and are proud of their school.
• A welcoming, dedicated and supportive staff team.
• A purposeful staff suite designed to support wellbeing.
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust and contribute to wider school improvement initiatives.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018. The Trust will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision.

Accordingly, shortlisted candidates will be required to demonstrate to the Trust, by completing a self‑declaration form as part of the pre‑employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations. If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to www.gov.uk/disclosure-arring-service check.

This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

We may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post, but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Border Agency's Points‑based Immigration System. Due to the restrictions, we cannot guarantee that individuals that meet the requirements of the Points‑based Immigration System will be issued with clearance to obtain work permits.

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part‑time or term‑time only.