Headteacher Primary - DGA13088

We are seeking to appoint a leader with vision and a passion for learning who will, together with the management team, lead learning across the Applegarth and Nethermill Primary Partnership. This post offers an exciting opportunity to shape educational provision within a new rural school partnership community that has high aspirations for all.

Applegarth and Nethermill Primary Schools are located in the beautiful rural landscape north west of Lockerbie, surrounded by rolling farmland, woodland and open countryside. The two schools lie less than seven miles apart and serve close‑knit village communities within the Lockerbie Academy cluster. The area benefits from a diverse local economy that includes agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, and natural and cultural heritage tourism. The region offers an excellent quality of life, with affordable housing and strong community networks. It is also highly accessible, with Lockerbie providing direct rail links to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Carlisle, and the nearby A74(M) offering fast road connections north and south. This combination of rural setting and strong transport links makes the area attractive to families and professionals alike.

The management structure consists of a Headteacher and a Principal Teacher in each school, with the Headteacher position being non‑class committed. The schools are supported by warm and welcoming communities with active parent councils, who work collaboratively to support the pupils and staff. Both schools engage in using the outdoors to promote the children’s learning, taking the opportunity to utilise their local environments.

Applicants who are seeking to find out more about the schools and their unique context, or arrange a visit, should contact the Quality Improvement Officer, Andrea Macfarlane by email: Andrea.Macfarlane@dumgal.gov.uk.

A significant relocation package of up to £5000 may be available to the successful candidate (Permanent positions only). Please see attached guidance for further information.

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. 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 experience in primary education and be committed to very high standards of achievement. Applicants are required to be fully registered in primary education with the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) and be able to demonstrate that they have, through both experience and professional development, met the criteria in the Standard for Headship.

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. 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.gov.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 the 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 any queries about the recruitment process, please contact Kenny Pullen, Schools’ Manager - People at kenneth.pullen@dumgal.gov.uk.