Headteacher

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Shelton Junior School in Derby invites an exceptional Headteacher to build on recent improvements and lead the school into its next chapter.

You will provide strategic direction, set high standards, champion inclusion, and work with staff, governors, families and pupils to ensure every child feels valued and inspired to achieve their best.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of improving outcomes for children.
• High expectations for achievement, behaviour and attendance.
• Passion for inclusion and ensuring success for every child.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Lead with integrity, compassion and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and empower pupils, staff and the wider school community through a clear vision for excellence.
• Ensure every child receives a broad, balanced and engaging education that enables them to discover their strengths and talents.
• Foster a culture of respect, inclusion and belonging, where individuality is celebrated.
• Further develop our ambitious curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and promote wellbeing of every child.
• Build strong community links and strengthen relationships with parents, carers and local partners.
• Lead continuous school improvement to secure outcomes and experiences that reflect our aspirations and values.
• Nurture a culture where staff are supported, developed and empowered to excel.

Skills

School leadership

Communication

Safeguarding

Strategic direction

Staff development

Job description

Closing date: 17 September 2026

Required For 1 January 2027

Shelton Junior School is a thriving and welcoming Foundation school at the heart of the Shelton Lock community in Derby. Following a period of successful school improvement and a recent positive Ofsted outcome, we are seeking an exceptional leader to build on our achievements and lead the school into its next exciting chapter.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious, inspirational and values-driven leader to work alongside a dedicated staff team, supportive Governing Board, engaged families and enthusiastic pupils. We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to ensuring every child feels valued, challenged and inspired to achieve their very best.

As Headteacher, you will provide clear strategic direction and strong educational leadership, ensuring that Shelton Junior School continues to flourish. You will champion high standards whilst maintaining the nurturing and inclusive ethos that lies at the heart of our school.

We are looking for a leader who will:

• Inspire and empower pupils, staff and the wider school community through a clear vision for excellence.
• Ensure every child receives a broad, balanced and engaging education that enables them to discover their strengths, develop their talents and achieve their full potential
• Foster a culture of respect, inclusion and belonging, where individuality is celebrated and every member of the community is valued.
• Further develop our ambitious curriculum, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of all learners.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and promote the wellbeing of every child.
• Build on our strong community links and continue to strengthen relationships with parents, carers and local partners.
• Lead continuous school improvement, securing outcomes and experiences for children that reflect our aspirations and values.
• Nurture a culture in which staff are supported, developed and empowered to excel.

The successful candidate will:

• Be an experienced and inspirational school leader with a proven track record of improving outcomes for children.
• Have high expectations for achievement, behaviour and attendance.
• Be passionate about inclusion and committed to ensuring success for every child, regardless of background or starting point.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Lead with integrity, compassion and resilience.
• Have the vision and ambition to shape the next stage of Shelton Junior School's journey.

We are proud of our children, staff and community, and we are looking for a Headteacher who will embrace what makes Shelton special whilst leading us confidently into the future.

School Visits

We warmly welcome and encourage visits from prospective candidates.

To arrange an informal conversation or book a visit to the school, please email: [e-mail]

Please note that visit dates will be confirmed after 13th August 2026.

Visits will take place between week commencing 7 and 14 September 2026.

Safeguarding

Shelton Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from groups currently under-represented in the education workforce.

Provisional Interview Date: 28 September 2026