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- Tasks: Lead and support learning initiatives for students aged 2-12 at Glaitness Primary School.
- Company: Glaitness School in Kirkwall, Orkney, is dedicated to inclusive education for all children.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation expenses, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team focused on continuous improvement and making a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland and have relevant teaching experience.
- Other info: Interviews scheduled for September 2025; apply by 24 August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Job Description
EDUCATION, COMMUNITIES AND HOUSING
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Glaitness School
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Principal Teacher (Support for Learning)
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35 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Permanent
This is an exciting opportunity for a practitioner who is looking to develop their skills in leadership and management as part of the wider senior leadership team.
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Glaitness School is one of two primary schools situated in the town of Kirkwall in Orkney. It offers provision for children aged 2-12 living in the north-west sector of the town and adjacent rural area. The school also provides additional support for pupils from any area of Orkney whose needs cannot be fully met within their own catchment school.
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The current school roll is 211, including 190 in mainstream, 21 in supported classes. There is a nursery on-site which is managed separately and has 71 children presently. There are eight mainstream classes from P1-7 and five support classes. Glaitness has a large and committed staff team of around 70 staff, many of whom are part-time. The Senior Leadership Team includes a Head Teacher, Depute Head Teacher, Business Manager and two Principal Teachers (Curriculum and Support for Learning).
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We are looking for a committed, enthusiastic and energetic practitioner to join the existing staff team. It is expected that you will have specific responsibility in providing advice and guidance in relation to support for learning policy and practice across the school. Continuous improvement is an important part of the life and work in Glaitness and the successful candidate will be expected to lead and participate effectively in this process. You will have designated duties linked to the School Improvement Plan. You may also be required to participate in and/or lead whole authority improvement priorities.
You must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
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This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in respect of regulated work with children.
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Salary is based on point 1 of the Principal Teacher spine of the SNCT Salary Tables and includes a Distant Islands Allowance.
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Prospective applicants are warmly invited to discuss the post by contacting the Head Teacher, Ingrid Rendall, tel. 01856 873648, e-mail: ingrid.rendall@orkney.gov.uk
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It is anticipated that interviews will take place in week commencing 1 September 2025.
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Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 24 August 2025
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Please note that interview and relocation expenses will be paid for this post, in accordance with Council Policy.
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Principal Teacher (Support for Learning), Glaitness Primary School - ORK09562 employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Teacher (Support for Learning), Glaitness Primary School - ORK09562
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Glaitness Primary School's ethos and values. Understanding the school's approach to support for learning will help you align your experience and ideas with their vision, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current staff members or the Head Teacher, Ingrid Rendall, to discuss the role and the school's environment. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you valuable insights that can help you during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to continuous improvement in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to implement effective support strategies will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current educational policies and practices related to support for learning. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and show your commitment to professional growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Teacher (Support for Learning), Glaitness Primary School - ORK09562
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Principal Teacher (Support for Learning) position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in leadership, support for learning, and continuous improvement. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead and support diverse learners.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and your commitment to supporting learning. Address how your values align with those of Glaitness School and mention any specific initiatives you would like to contribute to.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Understand the School's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to research Glaitness Primary School's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to continuous improvement and support for learning will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Principal Teacher, you'll be expected to lead and inspire others. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or implemented a new initiative, particularly in support for learning.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life scenarios. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you addressed them, especially regarding supporting diverse learners.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
During the interview, make sure to engage with the panel by asking insightful questions about the school's current initiatives and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
