Head Teacher

WEST LOTHIAN COUNCIL; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational authority in Scotland is seeking an experienced Head Teacher for Blackburn Primary School and Murrayfield Primary School. This leadership role requires a commitment to high-quality learning, advocacy for inclusive practices, and experience in educational leadership. The position offers the chance to shape the strategic direction of two school communities while promoting collaborative cultures and driving continuous improvement in educational outcomes. Registration with the General Teaching Council is essential.

Qualifications

• Relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland are essential.
• Achieved the Standard for Headship preferred.
• Experience in leading ASN provision is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead Blackburn Primary School and Early Learning & Childcare class.
• Shape strategic direction of education across two schools.
• Drive continuous improvement in line with council priorities.

Skills

Commitment to high-quality learning

Child-centred practice

Ability to lead diverse communities

Strong interpersonal skills

Operational and strategic management

Education

Teaching qualification

Registration with the General Teaching Council

Job description

Job Advert

36 hours per week, Permanent

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

West Lothian Council are committed to far reaching changes to the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include giving you the support and environment that you need to get on with your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council achievement of the Investors in People Standard and always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.

West Lothian Council is seeking an experienced, values driven, and inspirational Head Teacher to lead Blackburn Primary School, its Early Learning & Childcare class and Enhanced Education Resource Base, alongside Murrayfield Primary School and ELC.

This is an exciting leadership role with the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of two vibrant school communities, each with its own strengths, identity, and strong commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences for all children from Early to Second Level.

The Head Teacher will play a pivotal role in ensuring excellence and equity across both schools, cultivating collaborative cultures, and driving continuous improvement in line with Curriculum for Excellence, GIRFEC, and West Lothian Council priorities.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Brings a clear moral purpose and commitment to high-quality learning, teaching, and outcomes
• Demonstrates a strong personal commitment to inclusion and child-centred practice
• Has the vision and resilience to lead two diverse and dynamic school communities
• Can ensure high-quality early years provision aligned with Realising the Ambition
• Has experience or strong understanding of leading ASN provision, including enhanced resource bases
• Builds highly effective relationships with staff, children, families, partners, and the wider community
• Can successfully manage the operational and strategic demands of a multi‑site leadership role

Both Blackburn and Murrayfield are proud, inclusive schools with engaged families, committed staff teams, strong community links, and a shared focus on ensuring children flourish.

This post offers the opportunity to:

• Lead highly dedicated staff teams
• Build collaborative cultures across two establishments
• Shape the strategic direction of early years and primary education within two strong communities
• Champion inclusive practice, including within Blackburn’s Enhanced Education Resource Base
• Drive ambitious improvement centred on children’s wellbeing, rights, and learning

Requirements

A relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland is essential.

After 1 August 2020, Education Authorities can only appoint the following categories of people as permanent Head Teachers: -

1. People who have achieved the Standard for Headship.
2. People appointed as permanent Head Teachers of a public school, a grant‑aided school or an independent school on or before 1 August 2020.

A person who has not yet achieved the Standard for Headship may be appointed as a head teacher, provided the appointment does not exceed 30 months.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment and the cost will be met by the candidate.

The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18. The £59 cost (where appropriate) will be deducted from your salary over a 1 or 3-month period by repayment schedule. If your employment concludes before the amount is re‑paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.

Council values: Integrity, respect, fairness, working together

For further information or informal enquiries, please contact West Lothian Council Education Services