Head of School (St Mark’s CE Primary School)

East Sussex County Council; Uckfield; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority in England is seeking a Head of School to manage a rural school with strong community ties. Responsibilities include shaping the school's strategic vision and leading staff development. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven leadership in education and a passion for inclusion. Competitive salary range from £54,394 to £60,145. The role offers full-time hours and a supportive leadership team.

Benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive leadership team

Commitment to staff welfare

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading learning to secure good pupil outcomes.
• Ability to inspire, lead, and develop staff.
• Passionate about fostering a nurturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of St Mark’s.
• Work closely with the Executive Headteacher to shape strategic vision.
• Influence school improvement and make a difference.

Skills

Leadership in education

Staff development

Inclusive school culture

Collaboration with governors

Vision for school improvement

Job description

Job Description

Hours of work: 32.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Full-time

Closing date: 1st December 2025 9am

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

St Mark’s CE Primary School (School Ln, Hadlow Down, Uckfield TN22 4HY)

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: https://st-marks-hadlowdown.co.uk/

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Salary: Leadership L3 to L7 (£54,394 to £60,145)

Interview date: Tuesday 9th December

Start date: January 2026 (We also welcome applications for an April start)

‘Pupils thrive in this nurturing small school. They are well known and well cared for. This contributes towards them feeling safe and happy.

Despite its small size, the school has big ambitions to give each pupil ‘wings to fly’.’

Ofsted, July 2025.

About Us

St Mark’s is a small rural school with excellent facilities including grounds that include outdoor learning and nearby Forest School facilities. As a small school we enjoy a caring and nurturing family ethos that is evident in our Ofsted inspection report from July 2025 where the school was judged as ‘good’ in all areas.

St Mark’s is in partnership with Sussex Spires Federation so you be part of the wider leadership team committed to excellence in education and community impact.

The Role

As Head of School, you will lead the day-to-day management of St Mark’s, working closely with the Executive Headteacher to shape and deliver our strategic vision. The role currently includes 1.5 days teaching. This is a unique opportunity to lead change, influence school improvement, and make a tangible difference to our pupils and wider community.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Demonstrate a proven track record of leading learning to secure good pupil outcomes.
• Show the ability to inspire, lead, and develop staff to achieve exceptional performance.
• Be passionate about fostering a nurturing, inclusive school culture where every pupil can thrive.
• Collaborate effectively within the partnership leadership team and with governors.
• Bring a clear vision for school improvement aligned with the ethos and values of St Mark’s.

We Offer

• The support of an experienced and dedicated partnership leadership team focused on pupil success.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the partnership.
• A knowledgeable and supportive Governing Board committed to the school’s vision.
• The chance to lead strategic initiatives that impact the school and local community.
• Ongoing training and career progression support tailored to your leadership journey.

If you are an inspiring and ambitious leader ready to make a difference in a small school with big ambitions, we would love to hear from you.

Visits to our school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please email [e-mail] or call the school office on 01825 830375. Full details and an application pack can be found on our school website under ‘Key Information’.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school 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, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, 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.

About Us

Additional Information

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 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 https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.

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.