Headteacher

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cotton End Forest School is seeking a headteacher to lead a community primary and nursery serving 430 children aged 2 to 11. The post leads the curriculum, staff and provision from Early Years to Key Stage 2 while protecting the Forest School identity.

On-site outdoor classrooms and nature-based spaces underpin learning, with strong ties to families and the local community. Start is April 2027; visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Experienced and credible school leader.
• Track record of school improvement.
• Experience of leading improvement after significant educational or organisational change.
• Genuine commitment to Forest School principles.
• Ability to lead outdoor and experiential learning within a knowledge-rich curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Lead an ambitious, high-quality curriculum from Early Years to Key Stage 2.
• Build on high-quality teaching, assessment and outcomes for all pupils.
• Protect and develop the Forest School and outdoor-learning ethos.
• Embed outdoor and experiential learning across curriculum, culture and community life.
• Ensure every child, including those with SEND or facing disadvantage, is known, valued and supported to achieve.
• Develop and empower staff and future leaders.
• Maintain safeguarding, inclusion and positive behaviour.
• Work in partnership with the Governing Body, families and the wider community.
• Shape a clear and ambitious vision for the school's next phase.

Job description

The headship of Cotton End Forest School, a community primary and nursery for 430 children aged 2 to 11. The post leads the curriculum, staff and provision from Early Years to Key Stage 2 while protecting the school's Forest School identity. Its distinct features are on-site outdoor classrooms and nature-based learning areas, and close ties with families and the local community. Visa sponsorship is not available, and the proposed start is April 2027.

What the job involves

• Lead an ambitious, high-quality curriculum from Early Years to Key Stage 2
• Build on high-quality teaching, assessment and outcomes for all pupils
• Protect and develop the Forest School and outdoor-learning ethos
• Embed outdoor and experiential learning across curriculum, culture and community life
• Ensure every child, including those with SEND or facing disadvantage, is known, valued and supported to achieve
• Develop and empower staff and future leaders
• Maintain a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion and positive behaviour
• Work in partnership with the Governing Body, families and the wider community
• Shape a clear and ambitious vision for the school's next phase

What’s required

Experience

• Experienced and credible school leader
• Track record of school improvement
• Experience of leading improvement after significant educational or organisational change

Skills & knowledge

• Understanding of what excellent teaching and learning looks like
• Strong people leadership
• Ability to build trust, listen and communicate clearly
• Willingness to make decisions, provide challenge and hold high standards
• Genuine commitment to Forest School principles
• Ability to show how outdoor and experiential learning would sit within a knowledge-rich curriculum

Nice to have

• Forest School leadership experience
• Transferable leadership experience
• Willingness to develop specialist Forest School expertise