At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant primary school, fostering inclusion and personal development.
- Company: Leeming RAF Community Primary School, a unique and supportive educational environment.
- Benefits: Strong community support, committed staff, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to nurturing every child's potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a diverse community and inspire excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership with a focus on values and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 € per year.
Number on roll: 130 (variable according to mobility)
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a distinctive, highly regarded and inclusive community primary school at the heart of a unique service and civilian community. Leeming RAF Community Primary School, cited behind the wire of a military base, serves children from Service families and the local area, creating a richly diverse and dynamic context in which every child is known, valued and supported.
The school is proud of its strong values, exceptional pastoral care and an ambitious, thoughtfully designed curriculum rooted in Knowing, Becoming and Feeling. Leeming has a clear moral purpose, captured in its shared values: “We care. We respect. We do our best.”, and the vision of “Inspiring Excellence” within and beyond our community. These values are lived daily by pupils, staff and leaders, shaping behaviour, learning and relationships across the school community.
The school has a significantly above average SEND need and very high mobility, leading to a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
You will be joining a school with:
- A committed, strong and experienced staff team
- High-quality relationships with families and external partners
- A strong reputation for inclusion, wellbeing and personal development
- A curriculum and ethos that recognise and respond to the challenges and opportunities of service life, and a truly unique place of work
- Supportive governors with a strong vision for the school’s flourishing who provide support on all matters including more sensitive or difficult issues and including the wellbeing of all staff members.
- Strong local support networks for sharing ideas and best practice.
- Excellent previous inspection outcomes, with ample time to prepare for the changes of the new inspection framework.
This role offers the successful candidate the opportunity to:
- Build on a well-established, values-led culture
- Lead a curriculum that is coherent, innovative and child-centred
- Further develop the school’s work on personal development and wellbeing
- Shape the next stage of the school’s strategic development within a supportive local authority context
About You… We are looking for a Headteacher who is warm, reflective and purposeful; someone who places children at the centre of every decision and is committed to excellence, equity and care. You will be a moral, values-led leader, interested in seeing a whole community thrive - prioritising inclusion, and meeting the unique pastoral needs of this community. You will provide confident leadership, maintain high standards, and continue to ensure that every pupil flourishes academically, socially and emotionally.
Key dates:
- Shortlisting: Tuesday 16th June
- Interviews: Monday 22nd/ Tuesday 23rd June.
- Commencing: September 2026/January 2027 (subject to candidate availability)
Headteacher employer: Applefields School
Leeming RAF Community Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a vibrant and inclusive school community that values every child. With a strong commitment to pastoral care, professional development, and a supportive network of governors and local partners, this role allows for meaningful impact in a dynamic environment. The school's ethos of 'We care. We respect. We do our best.' fosters a collaborative culture where staff are empowered to thrive and innovate.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Leeming RAF Community Primary School. They can give you insider info on the school culture and what they value in a Headteacher.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how you can embody the school's values: care, respect, and doing your best. Have examples ready that showcase your commitment to inclusion and community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you’ve led teams in the past, especially in dynamic environments. Highlight your experience with SEND needs and how you’ve supported diverse learners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining this unique community.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Values:Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with the school's mission. We want to see that you care about inclusion, respect, and excellence just as much as we do!
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to pastoral care. We love hearing about real-life situations where you've made a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the unique context of our school. Show us why you're the perfect fit for our community.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Applefields School
✨Know the School's Values Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand the school's values: 'We care. We respect. We do our best.' Reflect on how these values resonate with your own leadership style and be ready to share specific examples of how you've embodied them in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Questions on Inclusion and Wellbeing
Given the school's strong focus on inclusion and wellbeing, anticipate questions around these topics. Think about your experiences with SEND needs and how you've supported diverse learners in the past. Be prepared to discuss strategies that promote a nurturing environment for all students.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement
This role is all about community, so come armed with ideas on how to strengthen relationships with families and external partners. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with communities in the past and how you plan to continue this at Leeming RAF Community Primary School.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision for Strategic Development
The school is looking for someone to shape its strategic development. Be ready to articulate your vision for the future of the school, including innovative curriculum ideas and personal development initiatives. Show how your leadership can inspire excellence within and beyond the school community.
