Headteacher - DGA13192

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic leader with vision and a passion for learning who will, along with an experienced management team, lead learning at Lochmaben Primary School, Nursery and Learning Centre. The position offers an exciting opportunity to shape educational provision across a vibrant, whole-school community, with the support of an experienced management and staff team.

The school has strong links with its cluster schools and local businesses, alongside an active parent council. Situated in the historic Royal Burgh of Lochmaben, the school benefits from a rich geographical setting and strong transport connections. Lochmaben lies in the heart of Annandale, surrounded by open countryside and lochs. The town is easily accessible via the A709 between Dumfries and Lockerbie, with excellent links to the A75 and the M74 corridor, making travel across Dumfries and Galloway and to central Scotland straightforward. This attractive rural location offers an excellent quality of family life while still providing easy access to major routes and nearby cities, making it a highly desirable place to live and work.

Lochmaben Primary is an inclusive school which strives to provide the best quality of education for life, with the needs of pupils at the centre of all we do. Lochmaben is a school where all are active, challenged and engaged in their learning, with a committed team of professionals who provide a high standard of primary education in a friendly, relaxed, supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

We are seeking to appoint a leader who is ready for an exciting challenge in leading a vibrant school community. You will have a vision and a passion for improving outcomes for all and to best meet the needs of every individual child. As Headteacher, you will lead the improvement agenda and drive the school’s development priorities along with a professional staff team.

Dumfries and Galloway’s approach to Education looks to combine the traditional values, ethos and atmosphere of this unique corner of Scotland with fresh 21st Century thinking. We are seeking to appoint a leader with vision and a passion for learning who will lead learning within Lochmaben Primary School. The post represents an excellent opportunity to be innovative in developing our culture of sharing and learning. Our authority has been recognised as having a clear focus on building staff skills to improve learning and teaching, raise attainment and develop strong leadership at all levels.

Applicants will have proven leadership qualities and experience in primary education and be committed to very high standards of achievement. Applicants who are seeking to find out more about the school and its unique context should contact the link QIO, andrea.macfarlane@dumgal.gov.uk.

A significant relocation package of up to £5000 is available to the successful candidate. Please see the attached removal expenses document for further information. Please follow the link to the Council’s Relocation Policy. Applicants for teaching posts must be registered in the appropriate sector with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6UT. 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: EducationPeopleTeam@dumgal.go.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: Kenny Pullen, Schools’ Manager People email: Kenny.Pullen@dumgal.gov.uk.