Head of Girls' Junior School

Bolton School; Bolton; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious education institution in Bolton is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the teaching staff and manage the education of around 200 girls in the Junior School. Candidates should possess a good honours degree, qualified teacher status, and have proven skills in leadership. This role offers a supportive environment, excellent facilities, and emphasizes innovation in teaching through a curriculum rich in extra-curricular activities. Applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the institution's commitment to inclusivity.

Benefits

Generous PPA allowance

Supportive work environment

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Graduate with a good honours degree and qualified teacher status.
• Proven track record in leadership and management of change.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the education of approximately 200 girls in the Junior School.
• Implement the Junior School curriculum with a focus on core subjects and inquiry-based learning.
• Manage extra-curricular activities alongside the academic programme.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Good honours degree

Qualified teacher status

Job description

The post commences from September 2026.

It is an outstanding opportunity to join a thriving school at a very exciting moment in its development. Hesketh House provides an exciting, supportive and purposeful environment for the education of approximately 200 girls from Year 3 to Year 6.

Junior School entry is primarily at 7+ into Year 3 when girls are recruited into two classes. Girls coming into the Junior School enter from the School’s own pre-preparatory school, Beech House, and from schools within the catchment area, which is particularly extensive, due to the coach service provided by Bolton School. Further new girls join classes each year with an average of 22 girls in each class. A high standard for entry into the Junior School has been maintained and virtually all girls qualify for entry into the Senior School at the end of Year 6.

The present Junior School teaching staff consists of 10 full-time and 5 part-time members. They are supported by four part-time teaching assistants and a full-time secretary. Most staff teach across the KS2 curriculum, and have further specialist support members of staff for music, languages and PE. The loyalty, commitment and dedication of the staff ensures that the strong academic programme is richly complemented by a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The Junior School has a particularly fine reputation in sport, outdoor pursuits and music.

The Junior School curriculum combines rigour in the core subjects and an enquiry-based approach to the ‘Learning Challenges’, which underpin the teaching of the Humanities. The ‘Habits of Mind’ programme supports the development of the girls’ academic and pastoral skills, equipping them for success in later life.

Hesketh House enjoys stunning facilities in a purpose-built school, secure within the magnificent Bolton School grounds. The building includes a large, well-equipped Hall, Music rooms, Library, Computer room and Art room. Outside the girls have plenty of access to play spaces. In addition, pupils have access to the Senior School facilities when required.

The successful candidate is likely to be a graduate with a good honours degree, who holds qualified teacher status and who has flair and vision together with the necessary academic, educational and administrative experience to succeed in a post of this standing. Candidates will have a proven track record in leadership and in the management of change. Good communication skills, oral and written, are essential.

A detailed job description and person specification are included with the application pack. The content of the job description may be altered, following consultation, on appointment.

For further details and to apply online for the position please visit the School website.

Closing date for applications : noon on 02 January 2026

Interviews will take place in two rounds on 12 and 13 January 2026

A generous level of PPA is provided which allows members of staff, as valued professionals, to manage their time appropriately and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace to reflect the diversity of our pupils and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and to join Bolton School. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Bolton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Criminal Records Check for Regulated Activity.