Headteacher

Teaching Vacancies; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

A primary school in England is seeking an inspirational Headteacher to lead and develop their outstanding educational practice. The successful candidate will manage school operations, inspire both staff and students, and promote a lifelong love of learning while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment. The position requires an effective communicator and a commitment to safeguarding. The salary range is £78,702 to £90,255, with a starting date of September 2026.

Benefits

Strong support from Governors and the school community

Opportunities for school visits

Qualifications

• Must have a passion for children's learning.
• Experience in school management and safeguarding.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the school community.

Responsibilities

• Manage the school effectively while safeguarding children's welfare.
• Inspire and motivate children and staff.
• Ensure high standards of educational practice.

Skills

Effective communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Kindness

Resilience encouragement

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Leadership training

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

• Build on our unique vision, continuing to enhance our children’s lifelong love of learning and ensuring The Valley continues to be a world class centre of outstanding learning.
• Provide innovative and outstanding leadership, inspiring and motivating all children and staff to work in partnership and reach their full potential: knowing that together we’re better.
• Be an effective and engaging communicator, able to work in partnership with Governors and the wider school community: acknowledging that together we’re better.
• Continue to share our exceptional practice with other schools: promoting that together we’re better.
• Be able to demonstrate effective management of school, including a commitment to safeguarding, and the financial management of the school budget.

What the children of The Valley School are looking for in a Headteacher

• Welcomes us into school each day, with a smile on their face, and makes us feel safe and happy so we want to come to school and learn.
• Is fair and thinks equality is important.
• Accepts everyone no matter what characteristics they have.
• Is friendly but also supports very good behaviour.
• Encourages us to ‘go for it’ and be resilient.
• Is kind and a good listener, and there to help us when we need it.
• Challenges us and asks us questions.
• Is good at problem solving.
• Will come into our classes and support us with our learning.
• Give us lots of extra-curricular opportunities.
• Likes to have fun and can make us smile.

What the school offers its staff

The Governing Body of The Valley Community Primary School are seeking to appoint an inspirational and outstanding leader to ensure the continued success and further development of our “Outstanding” school. We believe The Valley is a unique school where all children thrive and are encouraged to develop a love of learning. Our talented and experienced staff are highly motivated, hardworking and passionate about children’s learning. They have worked collaboratively in developing a curriculum with clear intention to stimulate children’s imagination. By bringing learning to life through practical experiences we aim to allow every child to reach their potential. Our approach is underpinned by a set of school values which are supported and reinforced throughout school.

Further details about the role

HEADTEACHER

Required for: September 2026

Salary range: L18 – L24 (£78,702 to £90,255)

Visits to our school are strongly encouraged and you will be warmly welcomed.

Please contact Deborah Lauder (School Business Manager) to arrange a visit. Relevant information in respect to The Valley School is available on our website https://www.thevalley.bolton.sch.uk/

Closing date: 22/01/2026 (10:00 a.m.)

Shortlisting date: 29/01/2026

Interview dates: 11/02/2026 and 12/02/2026

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure Barring Service and our Safeguarding policies.

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.