Head Teacher

Teaching Vacancies; Northampton; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A primary school in Northampton is seeking an inspirational Head Teacher to lead from September 2026. Responsibilities include shaping educational experiences and maintaining community ties, alongside strategic management of staff and operations. Applicants should possess strong leadership and communication skills and a commitment to educational excellence. The role offers a competitive pay scale of £58,569 to £67,898 based on experience.

Benefits

Professional development support

Supportive governing body

Enthusiastic children

Qualifications

• Experience improving teaching quality and securing outcomes.
• Ability to establish and maintain school ethos.
• Commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Capacity for strategic thinking in education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the educational experience and future of pupils.
• Ensure outstanding education and community ties.
• Manage day-to-day school operations and staff.

Skills

Leadership and management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Financial management

Empathy and understanding

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Governing Body of Little Houghton CE Primary School is seeking to appoint an inspirational and aspirational Head Teacher from September 2026. The successful candidate will have exceptional drive and ambition to lead our school, working alongside forward‑thinking leaders, staff and Governors, who all share a strong vision of educational excellence and happy school communities.

The Head Teacher of our small village school plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience and future of our pupils. This post may include some classroom teaching time, along with the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead, therefore the post requires a dedicated professional who can wear many hats, from educational leader to community figurehead. The Head Teacher will be instrumental in ensuring our school continues to provide an outstanding education whilst fostering strong community ties and collaborating effectively.

Whilst this is being advertised as a substantive head position, we welcome interest from existing head teachers considering an Executive Head position, please ensure that it is clear in your application if you wish to be considered in this context.

Our Head Teacher will have:

• Strong leadership and management skills, and a track record of improving the quality of teaching and learning to secure excellent outcomes for all pupils in all year groups
• The ability to establish and maintain the school’s ethos and strategic direction, and demonstrate a clear vision of excellence for the future of our schools, building upon achievements to date
• A commitment to working collaboratively, both within the school and with external partners
• The desire and ability to foster a positive, inclusive school culture
• A commitment to strategic thinking and planning to ensure the best attainment for each child, setting ambitious educational standards for all pupils, further developing and implementing our engaging, broad and well structured curriculum
• A vibrant personality and effective communication skills to enable clear and meaningful communication with staff, pupils, parents and Governors
• An ability to listen and lead with empathy and understanding, and build relationships within our school as well as beyond the school gates
• Resilience to thrive under pressure with optimism and good humour
• Strong skills in financial management to deal with the demands of an increasingly challenging financial landscape
• The ability to think and act strategically, building on the schools' strengths and seizing opportunities within an ever‑changing educational landscape
• The skills to manage the day‑to‑day school operations, the recruitment and management of staff, allocate resources efficiently and responsibly
• A robust understanding of and commitment to safeguarding

What the school offers its staff

• Happy and enthusiastic children who are eager to learn and develop
• Dedicated, experienced and talented teaching and support staff who nurture children’s growth with skill, patience and warmth
• A Governing Body that is supportive, proactive and dedicated to offering thoughtful challenge to drive the school forwards
• Strong support for your continuing professional and personal development

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Two suitable references, an Enhanced DBS clearance, clear Prohibition from Teaching and Section 128 checks, along with any other relevant recruitment checks are required to secure this role.

For this exciting position, we are offering a pay scale of between L6 (£58,569) and L12 (£67,898), dependent on experience.

Visits to our school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. If you would like to arrange a visit, please ask when requesting an application pack from Lisa Wyatt, School Business Manager: [e-mail] , 01604 890788.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: Friday 23rd January 2026, 12 noon
• Notification of interview: Friday 30th January 2026
• Interviews: Tuesday 10th February 2026
• Position Offered: Tuesday 10th February 2026

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.