Depute Headteacher Primary - DGA13371

Gretna Primary School is a non-denominational school situated in the town of Gretna, serving the local community as well as the neighbouring village of Rigg and surrounding rural areas. The current school roll is approximately 250 pupils, with a further 45 children attending our Nursery. Gretna Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing learning community where positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their potential. Our nurturing and trauma-informed approaches underpin our work and continue to shape our school culture, helping us create an environment where children and staff can thrive.

As a school, we are on an ambitious improvement journey focused on raising attainment and achievement, strengthening high-quality learning and teaching, embedding inclusive practice and ensuring positive outcomes for all learners. We are committed to developing leadership at all levels and creating opportunities for staff to grow professionally. We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, reflective and motivated Depute Head Teacher for a one-year temporary position. This post presents an excellent opportunity for an aspiring or developing leader to gain valuable leadership experience within a supportive and forward-thinking school.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher and wider staff team to support school improvement priorities, promote excellence in learning and teaching, and contribute to the strategic direction of the school. They will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to collaboration and inclusion, and a desire to make a positive difference to the lives of children and families.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills across a wide range of areas including school improvement, curriculum development, staff leadership, inclusion, wellbeing and partnership working. We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, willing to embrace challenge and committed to helping lead Gretna Primary School through the next stage of its improvement journey. The successful candidate will provide effective learning and teaching and should demonstrate a commitment to creating a quality learning environment. They will carry out related activities and developments following local, national and school policies under the direction of the Headteacher.

This position is for 35 hours per week and temporary until August 2027. This position may be suitable for secondment and line management approval should be sought before applying for the position. Applicants for teaching posts must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6UT in the appropriate sector. This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council. Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

As part of the recruitment and selection process we ask that you provide ONE completed reference alongside your application form and will be read in conjunction with your application form. Please note that it is your responsibility to gather a reference and forward the completed document to the relevant contact within the School. The reference should be submitted prior to the closing date. The reference for this vacancy should be emailed to: gw08fraserkathryn@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme, exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

For further information please contact: Kathryn Fraser, Headteacher on tel. 01461 339105 or email: gw08fraserkathryn@ea.dumgal.sch.uk.