At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire learning at Lockerbie Academy with a passionate management team.
- Company: Dumfries and Galloway Council, committed to innovative education and community values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health and wellbeing support, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives in a supportive and vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in secondary education and commitment to high achievement standards.
The predicted salary is between 92106 - 92106 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a dynamic leader with vision and a passion for learning who will, along with a generous management team, lead learning at Lockerbie Academy. Lockerbie is a well connected and welcoming town, offering the benefits of a close-knit community with excellent transport links. Situated just off the M74, Lockerbie provides easy access to Edinburgh and Glasgow to the north and Carlisle to the south. The town also benefits from regular rail services, making commuting straightforward and providing convenient links to major urban centres while enjoying the quality of life associated with a rural setting.
The school is supported by a warm and welcoming community with an active Parent Council. Dumfries and Galloway’s approach to education looks to combine traditional values and ethos. 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.
We are seeking to appoint a leader who is ready for an exciting challenge. 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. The post represents an excellent opportunity to be innovative in developing our culture of sharing and learning.
Applicants will have proven leadership qualities, strategic experience in secondary 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: andrea.macfarlane@dumgal.gov.uk
Initial interview for this post is scheduled for Monday 15 June 2026. Applicants are required to be fully registered in secondary 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 and/or Protected Adults, 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.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 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 and an informal discussion, please contact Kenny Pullen, Schools’ Manager – People email: Kenny.Pullen@dumgal.gov.uk
Headteacher Secondary - DGA13313 employer: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. As Headteacher at Lockerbie Academy, you will lead a dedicated team in a community-focused setting, benefiting from excellent transport links and a commitment to innovative educational practices. With access to a comprehensive benefits package, including discounts and wellbeing support, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while enjoying the quality of life in a picturesque rural location.
Contact Details:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher Secondary - DGA13313
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and engage with the community. The more people know you, the better your chances of landing that Headteacher role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to education and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Show them you're not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven improvement and led teams in the past. This will showcase your strategic experience and commitment to high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Dumfries and Galloway Council team.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher Secondary - DGA13313
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! We want to see your vision for improving outcomes and how you plan to lead learning at Lockerbie Academy.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the unique context of Lockerbie Academy. Highlight your strategic experience in secondary education and how it aligns with our values and goals.
Reference Ready:Don’t forget about the reference! Gather it early and ensure it’s submitted before the closing date. This will show us that you’re organised and proactive, which are key traits for a Headteacher.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dumfries and Galloway Council
✨Know Your Vision
As a potential Headteacher, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the school. Think about how you can blend traditional values with modern educational practices. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you would implement to improve outcomes for all students.
✨Research the Community
Lockerbie Academy is part of a close-knit community. Familiarise yourself with the town's culture and the role of the Parent Council. Showing that you understand and appreciate the local context will demonstrate your commitment to being an integral part of the community.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Prepare to showcase your proven leadership qualities and strategic experience in secondary education. Use examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or initiatives that resulted in improved learning and teaching outcomes.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's development priorities and the support available for staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school aligns with your educational philosophy.
