Headteacher

What skills and experience we’re looking for

The Stour Federation Multi Academy Trust and the Shipston Primary School Local Academy Council are seeking an inspirational, visionary, and dynamic Headteacher to lead Shipston‑on‑Stour Primary School into its next chapter. This unique opportunity arises due to the retirement of our current Headteacher at the end of the  academic year.

Shipston‑on‑Stour Primary is a popular, two‑form entry academy that sits at the very heart of its community and serves as the primary hub for our Trust. We are looking for a leader who embodies the "Shipston Spirit" – a unique blend of Kindness, Courage, and Responsibility – and who holds the unswerving belief that every pupil has the right to an extraordinary education.

• Demonstrate a proven track record of successful senior leadership, with the ability to raise standards and achieve excellent academic outcomes for all children.
• Be a pedagogically deep leader who understands how children learn and can champion high‑quality, inclusive teaching and learning.
• Embody the Trust’s "North Star" of Human Flourishing, ensuring it becomes a reality for every child, staff member, and family.
• Value and champion the Thrive Approach, understanding that academic success is rooted in social and emotional well‑being.
• Have the strategic skills to manage our new Specialist Resourced Provision (The Dovecote), supporting children with communication and interaction needs.
• Be an excellent communicator and collaborator, ready to work generously with stakeholders across our five‑school Trust.
• Manage resources effectively to meet the needs of all children, maintaining a well‑equipped and stimulating learning environment.

• Model positive behaviour and be patient.
• Be encouraging, a good listener, and "the reason someone else smiles today".
• Be fun and caring, but also ensure the rules are upheld so everyone feels safe.

• Happy, well‑behaved, and enthusiastic children who love learning and take pride in their school.
• The chance to lead a "Good" school (Ofsted January 2023) set in extensive, beautiful grounds with exceptional facilities for outdoor learning and play.
• Strong support from the CEO, CFO and Trust Inclusion Leader.
• A dedicated, highly motivated, and supportive staff team committed to professional excellence.
• Unrivalled professional growth through our "Growing Great People" strategy, providing autonomy, high‑quality coaching, and a collaborative network of peers. A vibrant curriculum that includes the "11 Before 11" pledges, promising every child memorable, life‑enhancing experiences.
• Support for your own well‑being and mental health through a well‑planned Trust strategy.

Established in 2014, The Stour Federation is a dynamic group of five church and non‑church primary schools in South Warwickshire that work generously in collaboration to provide an extraordinary education. Our "North Star" is Human Flourishing, and we believe that through collaborative leadership and unswerving devotion, we can instill ambition in our learners and equip them to succeed in a diverse, challenging world.

Our 2030 Strategy serves as our roadmap for the future, driven by future thinking and a commitment to sustainable school improvement. As Headteacher, you will not only lead your school but also contribute to trust‑wide initiatives, sharing excellence across our partnership to ensure every child in our care can learn, grow, and succeed together.

Shipston Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.