Headteacher (Westfield School)

East Sussex County Council; Hastings; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield School in Hastings is seeking an experienced senior leader to become Headteacher. The post requires strategic oversight, an approachable leadership style, and a track record of raising attainment and inspiring staff and pupils.

The successful candidate will motivate and coach the staff, foster strong relationships with parents and the wider community, and build on the school's strengths while guiding the next phase of development.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strategic oversight of all areas within the school and a commitment to achieving best outcomes for all pupils
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills with an approachable style of leadership
• Motivate, coach, challenge and nurture all staff
• Continue to foster good relationships with parents and the wider community
• Build upon the success of the school, maintaining its strengths while providing clear strategic leadership to guide the next phase of development
• Be a visible, hands‑on leader, able to balance the school vision with the operational demands of leading a small school

Job description

Job Description

Closing date: 12 noon, Monday 16 November 2026
Shortlisting Date: Thursday 19 November 2026
Interview Dates: Thursday 03 and Friday 04 December 2026
Start Date: April 2027

Westfield School
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: westfield.e-sussex.sch.uk

Are you an experienced senior leader who is innovative and ambitious? Do you have proven leadership skills with a track record for raising attainment and inspiring others towards excellence?

Our Vision

• Kind, respectful citizens
• Positive, resilient individuals
• Inquisitive, creative thinkers

We are looking for a Headteacher who will

• Demonstrate strategic oversight of all areas within the school and a commitment to achieving best outcomes for all pupils
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills with an approachable style of leadership
• Motivate, coach, challenge and nurture all staff
• Continue to foster good relationships with parents and the wider community
• Build upon the success of the school, maintaining its strengths while providing clear strategic leadership to guide the next phase of development
• Be a visible, hands‑on leader, able to balance the school vision with the operational demands of leading a small school

Westfield can offer you

• Happy, confident, and hardworking children who are proud of their school and eager to learn
• An inclusive curriculum that is aspirational for all
• A dedicated and experienced staff team who are committed to providing the best outcomes pupils
• Strong links between home and school with supportive and engaged parents
• A knowledgeable and committed governing body who is dedicated to supporting the school’s vision
• Strong partnerships through a school alliance, providing opportunities for collaboration, professional development, school improvement and the sharing of best practice

Visits to our school are strongly encouraged and welcomed and can be arranged by contacting the school office either via email.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self‑declaration form as part of the pre‑employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

About Us

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record .

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.