Headteacher - Shanklea Primary School, Cramlington

North East Combined Authority; Cramlington; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Supportive governing body

Job summary

Shanklea Primary School invites outstanding educational leaders to apply for the Headteacher position. The successful candidate will guide a committed team toward high standards, safeguarding, and inclusive practice within a vibrant primary community in Cramlington.

We seek an experienced leader with a clear vision, proven management skills, and the ability to raise attainment through collaborative, evidence-based approaches.

Qualifications

• Substantial, successful experience as a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or equivalent senior leader within primary education.
• Proven track record of raising standards and improving outcomes for pupils.
• Experience of leading, motivating and developing staff through performance management and change.
• Ability to foster collaboration, trust and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and inclusion in a primary setting.
• Experience with performance information and self-evaluation to drive improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to raise standards and ensure high-quality teaching and learning.
• Work with governors to monitor, evaluate and improve school performance.
• Lead safeguarding, attendance and inclusion across the school.
• Develop staff through performance management and professional development.
• Build positive relationships with families and the wider school community.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic vision

Staff development

Communication with families

Equality & inclusion

Job description

The Governors of Shanklea Primary School seek an inspiring and experienced senior leader to become our next Headteacher.

This is an exciting opportunity to build on our achievements and lead an inclusive primary school where learning is purposeful, engaging and fun!

We seek a leader with clear vision, proven leadership skills and high expectations, who champions safeguarding and inclusion. You will inspire and develop our team, strengthen relationships with families and ensure every child reaches their potential.

We offer wonderful children, a committed staff team and supportive governors who encourage professional development.

We warmly encourage prospective candidates to visit, meet our school community and see what makes Team Shanklea special.

The candidate

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who meets the following criteria:

Leadership experience

• Substantial, successful experience as a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or in an equivalent senior leadership role within primary education, with responsibility for whole-school improvement.
• A proven track record of raising standards and improving outcomes for pupils.
• Experience of leading, motivating and developing staff through performance management, professional development and organisational change to achieve high standards and sustained school improvement.
• The ability to build a culture of collaboration, trust, professionalism and continuous improvement.

School improvement experience

• A strong understanding of effective teaching, learning and assessment within primary education.
• Demonstrable experience of using self-evaluation, performance information and evidence-informed practice to drive continuous improvement.
• Successful experience of improving the quality of teaching and learning and raising pupil achievement.
• A strong understanding of curriculum design, implementation and assessment.

Safeguarding, attendance and inclusion

• A demonstrable commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• A thorough understanding of statutory safeguarding responsibilities and safer recruitment requirements.
• Experience of promoting inclusion and supporting pupils with SEND and other additional needs.
• An understanding of strategies to improve attendance, reduce persistent absence and support vulnerable pupils.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring high aspirations for all pupils.

Governance, finance and statutory responsibilities

• Experience of working effectively with governors, trustees or equivalent strategic bodies.
• An understanding of school finance, resource management and value-for-money principles.
• An understanding of statutory responsibilities relating to education, employment, safeguarding, equality, attendance and health and safety.
• The ability to provide clear and accurate information to support informed decision‑making and accountability.

Community engagement

• Experience of working collaboratively with other schools, educational settings or professional networks.
• The ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with families and a wide range of stakeholders.

Personal qualities and values

We are seeking an inspirational and strategic leader who:

• Has a clear vision for educational excellence and high expectations for every child.
• Demonstrates integrity, resilience and professional credibility.
• Builds positive relationships through strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Makes sound judgements and confident decisions, including under pressure.
• Is committed to public service, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Our offer

We offer wonderful children, a committed staff team and a supportive Governing Body that actively encourages professional development.

You will have opportunities to develop your leadership and work collaboratively with local schools.

We warmly encourage prospective candidates to visit our wonderful school, meet our team and see our shared values in action. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced criminal records check is required for this post.

In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

Further information about the school can be found on our website.

Close date: 12pm Thursday 15th October 2026

Applications should be be addressed to: Mr Simon Horn, Chair of Governors and emailed to: [e-mail]

Shortlisting will take place on Friday 16th October 2026

Interviews will be held on: Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th October 2026

School Name: Shanklea Primary School

Full address: Nairn Road, Cramlington,

Postcode: NE123RD

Tel.: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Website address: Shanklea Primary School - Home