Head of School

Teaching Vacancies; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust is seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead Krishna Avanti Primary School in Leicester. The role involves overseeing daily operations, driving school improvement, and leading the vision for a rich curriculum. The ideal candidate will have qualified teacher status, experience in EYFS leadership, and a strong commitment to student welfare. This position offers unique professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment, fostering excellence in education.

Benefits

Great opportunities for professional development

Teacher pension scheme

Well‑being programs

Cycle‑to‑work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience of leading the EYFS Phase.
• Successful experience of developing professional development programmes.
• The ability to lead and motivate staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day running of the school.
• Work closely with the Executive Principal to drive school improvement.
• Provide effective leadership and management of staff and resources.

Skills

Qualified teacher status

Leading the EYFS Phase

Ability to work under pressure

Strong commitment to safeguarding

Education

Relevant recent professional development

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Please note: The preferred start dates are April 2026 or August 2026, however an earlier start date may be considered.

About The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead the daily operation and continued development of Krishna Avanti Primary School, Leicester.

In this pivotal role, you will work closely with the Executive Principal and senior leaders to drive sustained improvement, maintain high aspirations and outcomes, and ensure that every pupil benefits from a rich, engaging and well‑structured curriculum.

We are seeking an experienced Head of School who will confidently uphold and promote our Trust’s defining ethos, ensuring that its values positively shape the life and culture of our schools.

While no personal faith background is required, the successful candidate will be someone who is respectful of our principles, drawing on the teachings of ISKCON, and able to lead the school’s vision for children to draw on their faith, show kindness and compassion within their communities and live a life reflective of the Avanti Way.

The Head of School will inspire colleagues through clarity of vision, professional integrity and an unwavering commitment to the very highest standards.

You will have the opportunity to shape whole‑school practice, contribute meaningfully to long‑term strategic development and cultivate a truly inclusive learning community where staff feel supported to excel and pupils are empowered to thrive.

Join us and help shape a school where every learner is valued, every colleague is supported, and excellence is pursued with purpose and heart.

School visits are welcomed and encouraged for Monday 5th or Tuesday 6th January 2026. Please contact the talent team to arrange a suitable time.

What will you do?

• Lead the day‑to‑day running of the school, ensuring high‑quality teaching, excellent pupil progress and a positive learning climate.
• Work closely with the Executive Principal and wider leadership team to set strategic priorities, drive school improvement and uphold the school’s vision and values.
• Provide effective leadership and management of staff, resources and curriculum design to secure high standards across the primary phase.
• Strengthen relationships with parents, carers and the community, promoting inclusion, wellbeing and equality of opportunity for all pupils.
• Oversee assessment, behaviour, safeguarding and statutory responsibilities, ensuring a safe, enriching and well‑governed school environment.

What are we looking for?

• Qualified teacher status, relevant recent professional development, experience of leading the EYFS Phase.
• Successful experience of developing and implementing effective programmes for the professional development of staff.
• The ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines by prioritising and using time effectively.
• The ability to lead and motivate staff and to successfully bring about and manage change.
• A strong commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students, supported by an excellent understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role.

What the school offers its staff

Krishna Avanti Primary School is an inclusive Hindu faith school that provides a warm, friendly and engaging learning environment for children from all backgrounds and walks of life. Staff and students at the school do not originate from any specific faith background. Applications are welcome from practitioners of any faith and from those of none.

The staff at Krishna Avanti Primary School are passionate about our school and are relentlessly focused on improving the achievement and opportunities of all our students. All staff that work at the school will need to subscribe to our ethos and values and seek to improve and develop their own practice and performance for the benefit of our students.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a school which is driven by three key elements for both students and staff:

• Educational excellence
• Character formation
• Spiritual insight

We believe in high expectations, challenge and support to enable our students to understand and develop into the best version of themselves. Through professional development, we support our staff to excel in creating a highly successful learning environment for our students and we are an ambitious team who strive to ensure that all students enjoy learning and surpass expectations.

Why should you apply

Avanti exists to help each person become a well‑rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place.

You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Great opportunities for professional development
• Teacher pension scheme (subject to eligibility)
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership
• Well‑being programs (retreats, yoga, wellness apps)
• Cycle‑to‑work Scheme

Further details about the role

Further information

Pre‑employment checks

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re‑checks.

Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre‑employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics.

Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how the school supports pregnant women and new parents.

Commitment to safeguarding

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re‑checks. Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre‑employment checks.