Assistant Headteacher; St Leonards CE Primary Academy

Salary: £57,699 to £66,956 per annum.
Contract type:
Permanent.
Working pattern:
Full-time.

Closing date:
Tuesday 20 October, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Interview date:
Friday 23 October, 2023

St Leonards CE Primary Academy is seeking an inspirational and ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional practitioner and leader with expertise in EYFS, KS1, Early Reading and Phonics to play a key role in shaping the future of our thriving Church of England Academy. We are looking for a leader who is passionate about raising achievement, developing colleagues and ensuring every child receives the very best education.

Working with the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and Governors, you will contribute strategically to whole‑school improvement whilst leading EYFS, KS1, Early Reading and Phonics. You will be committed to our Christian vision and values and passionate about achieving the very best outcomes for every child.

• Is an outstanding classroom practitioner with high expectations for all pupils.
• Has successful leadership experience within a primary school and is able to contribute strategically to academy improvement.
• Has a strong understanding of EYFS, KS1, Early Reading and Phonics and a proven track record of improving outcomes.
• Can lead, motivate and inspire colleagues through effective coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Uses assessment and progress data effectively to evaluate impact and drive improvement.
• Models respect, integrity and kindness in all relationships.
• Promotes a culture where children feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their full potential.
• Inspires determination, resilience and ambition in both pupils and staff.
• Is committed to upholding and promoting our Christian vision and values.
• Builds strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors, the church and wider community.
• Has an unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

• Lead EYFS and KS1, ensuring consistently high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.
• Lead Early Reading and Phonics across the academy.
• Lead effective coaching and mentoring through modelling outstanding practice.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership, improvement and development of the academy.
• Support monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance activities including lesson observations, work scrutiny and data analysis.
• Lead PSHE and co‑lead Mental Health and Wellbeing.
• Support curriculum development alongside subject leaders.
• Ensure strong transition arrangements within and between phases.
• Undertake the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure safeguarding remains central to all practice.
• Maintain a teaching commitment of approximately one day per week, supporting middle leaders and ECTs where required.

• The opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a thriving Church of England academy.
• A supportive and experienced Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body committed to excellence for all.
• Extensive professional development opportunities through our academy, hub network and Diocese of Chichester Academies Trust.
• A vibrant learning environment that includes Forest School provision, sports hall, sensory garden, allotment and extensive grounds.
• Enthusiastic children who enjoy learning and are proud of their school.
• A welcoming, dedicated and supportive staff team.
• A purposeful staff suite designed to support wellbeing.
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust and contribute to wider school improvement initiatives.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018. The Trust will need to ensure that they are not knowingly…