Headteacher

St Matthew's CofE Primary School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established Church of England primary school in Greater London is seeking a new headteacher to lead a thriving community. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, manage resources effectively, and ensure the school’s ongoing success. Responsibilities include leading Ofsted and SIAMS inspections, acting as the Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead, and guiding Collective Worship with the local Vicar. This role is perfect for someone passionate about fostering a nurturing environment for over 200 pupils while adhering to a Christian ethos.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive staff community

Friendly school environment

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a school environment.
• Commitment to promoting safeguarding and welfare of children.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development and management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school into its next Ofsted and SIAMS inspections.
• Serve as Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Work closely with the Vicar of St Matthew's Church on Collective Worship.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Commitment to Christian ethos

Strong management skills

Experience as a safeguarding lead

Education

Qualified teacher status

Experience in school leadership

Job description

Flourishing in South West London

St Matthew’s Church of England Primary school and nursery is a thriving school in Merton. We've grown our school roll by 7% in just the last two years, developed our premises following a significant investment in summer 2025, and welcomed an increasingly diverse group of children into our nurturing community. This is testament to our ambitious Christian vision, excellence in teaching and learning, strong community and trusted relationships.

We now look to build on this recent success, seeking to appoint a headteacher with vision and proven leadership within the context of the Christian ethos of the school.

Our current Headteacher is retiring after more than 20 years working in our school. She has led us to our current standing with wisdom, compassion and humour. We offer an exciting opportunity to lead a school with “A clear and inspiring vision, encapsulated in the motto ‘Friendship, Discovery, Prayer’” (SIAMS 2023).

Close to Wimbledon Common, we offer a tranquil space, with excellent transport links to central London, for our new headteacher who will take forward this successful single-form entry school, strengthening a culture that enables pupils to grow academically, socially and spiritually.

With a pupil roll of more than 200, our children are enthusiastic members of the “St Matthew’s Family”. They benefit from the broad and ambitious curriculum on offer in an environment where they are “safe and well cared for by staff” (Ofsted 2023). We seek a permanent headteacher who will nurture these relationships and build on the strong foundations already in place, while managing resources within a tightly agreed budget.

The successful candidate will provide professional leadership within our Christian ethos, lead the school into its next Ofsted and SIAMS inspections, and serve as Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead. You will also take the lead on Collective Worship, working closely with the Vicar of St Matthew's Church.

We offer the support of the governing body, Merton Schools Improvement Team, Southwark Diocesan Board of Education, and the West-Wimbledon Schools’ Cluster. We also offer professional development opportunities, a supportive staff, and a friendly school community.

“The school is collaborative and has an encouraging community. The teachers are committed and really care. Even the office staff know every child by name. It’s nurturing and warm, it is a community in every sense of the word.” (current parent)

For more information on the school, please visit our website.

You are very welcome to visit us and have a look round. To make an appointment please contact the school office.

Application closing date: Wednesday 21st January 2026

Shortlisting: Monday 26th January 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 4th February 2026

Salary Range: L12 – L18

Safeguarding Statement

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and external agencies to share this commitment. The school and the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education are committed to positively tackling discrimination in all its forms and working to ensure that all sections of the community have fair and equal access to and experience within employment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.St. Matthew’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be expected to complete an enhanced DBS check. CVs are not accepted.