Headteacher – Cenarth and Llechryd Primary Schools

Cyngor Sir Ceredigion County Council; Cardigan; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Cyngor Sir Ceredigion County Council seeks an exceptional Headteacher to jointly lead Cenarth and Llechryd Primary Schools. The post requires vision, energy and a commitment to Welsh language culture, wellbeing and equity for every learner.

You will unite two communities, drive continuous improvement, and report to the governing bodies to secure a bright future for both sites. The role is full-time with Welsh/English communication essential and NPQH qualification required for applicants’ first

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead two schools and align their ambitions.
• Experience in Welsh-medium settings is advantageous.
• Strong strategic planning and staff leadership.
• Effective communication with parents, governors and partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic direction for Cenarth and Llechryd.
• Lead school improvement and ensure pupil wellbeing and equity.
• Uphold Welsh language and culture while fostering collaboration.
• Build partnerships with families, communities and the Urdd.
• Ensure robust governance and safeguarding across both sites.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Welsh-medium education

Communication skills

Staff development

Community engagement

Vision for partnership

Education

NPQH

Job description

JOB ADVERT: HEADTEACHER AT CENARTH AND LLECHRYD PRIMARY SCHOOLS

PAY SCALE: L8-L14

ISR: 1c

Salary: £62,612 – £72,579

Required by: 1st January, 2027 (or as soon as possible after)

Number of learners in September 2026 – Cenarth: 84 Llechryd: 42

An exciting opportunity to lead two Welsh-medium primary schools at the heart of their communities

The Governing Bodies of Ysgol Cenarth and Ysgol Llechryd are seeking an exceptional, inspirational and ambitious Headteacher to lead both schools into the next stage of their development. The successful candidate will be committed to ensuring that every learner thrives and receives the best possible start.

Ysgol Cenarth

Ysgol Cenarth is a successful Welsh-medium rural school with a special place at the heart of its community. Estyn describes it as a “happy, family-oriented and welcoming community” (October 2023), where courteous and enthusiastic pupils are supported by dedicated staff and strong relationships with parents, governors and the wider community.

The school promotes the Welsh language, Welsh identity and learning rooted in pupils’ local area and sense of place. The new Headteacher will build on these foundations and confidently lead the school forward. A programme of refurbishment and building work was completed on the site in 2022.

Ysgol Llechryd

Ysgol Llechryd is a thriving Welsh-medium primary school. Estyn describes it as a “happy and inclusive learning community” (November 2025), where pupils and staff treat one another with care and kindness, and a clear strategic direction supports continuous improvement.

The curriculum is rooted in the local area, its heritage and the Welsh language, while strong partnerships enrich pupils’ experiences. The new Headteacher will build on this work and lead the school forward with high expectations. A Cylch Meithrin is located on the site.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has a clear and ambitious vision for the partnership, with the ability to unite and inspire both school communities.
• Sets high expectations and provides strategic leadership to secure progress and continuous improvement.
• Fosters a caring, respectful and inclusive culture that responds to individual needs and places every learner’s wellbeing, equity and success at the heart of decision-making.
• Has a sound understanding of effective pedagogy and current practice, and promotes professional learning, teamwork and collaboration.
• Is a skilled communicator with the ability to manage effectively and to support, challenge and develop staff.
• Ensures that every learner, whatever their needs or background, is enabled to fulfil their potential as a confident, creative, resilient and independent individual.
• Values learner voice and builds meaningful partnerships with parents and carers, governors, local communities, partner schools, the Cylch Meithrin and Urdd Gobaith Cymru.
• Promotes the Welsh language and its culture enthusiastically, encouraging learners to embrace them and empowering families to support Welsh at home.

Currently, the Headteacher does not have teaching responsibility. However, the situation is constantly reviewed in line with the budgets at both Cenarth and Llechryd Primary Schools.

Our ambition

We wish to appoint a Headteacher who will respect each school’s identity, strengthen collaboration between them and lead with vision and energy to secure a bright future for every learner.

If you are an inspirational leader who shares our ambition to give every child a “Good Start”, help them grow “from the small acorn to the highest branch” and secure a “Bright Future”, we would love to hear from you.

This advert is for a full-time Headteacher where the ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and English is essential.

Candidates applying for their first permanent Headteacher position must hold the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship).

Additional Information

Job Description

Person Specification

Applicants who wish to visit both schools before applying are welcome to do so by contacting Mr Chris James (Chairperson of Cenarth Primary School’s Governing Body) via email on [e-mail] and Miss Helen Groth (Chairperson of Llechryd Primary School’s Governing Body) on [e-mail] to arrange a visit.

For more information about this post, please contact Elen Gwenllian Davies, School Support Adviser on, 07970 000479 or via e‑mail [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is Thursday evening, 22 October, 2026 at 11.59pm and interviews will be held on Wednesday, 11 November, 2026.

Note: We reserve the right to extend the application closing date.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk. As part of this commitment, certain roles within our organisation require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess the suitability of candidates. This role will require an Enhanced DBS check. Please note that the presence of previous convictions will not necessarily disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. We assess each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and take into account the nature and relevance of any convictions in relation to the responsibilities of the role. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this process, please feel free to contact us for clarification. Your privacy and dignity are of utmost importance to us throughout the recruitment process.