Headteacher in Horley

At Meath Green Junior School, we pride ourselves on being a strong and inclusive community that values every member – pupils, parents, carers, teachers, support staff and governors. We are a three-form entry junior school. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and this commitment is reflected in our school ethos and the values which we follow – respect, honesty, resilience, bravery and ultimately feeling proud of ourselves, our environment and each other.

Children are at the centre of all our decisions and actions. We recognise academic achievement is a key priority and we believe that learning should be an enjoyable and enriching experience. We also strongly believe that the ‘whole child’ matters. This stretches beyond the classroom, into extra-curricular activities and our school’s facilities, sparking curiosity and creating memorable moments. We extend and enhance our pupils’ knowledge of the world, whilst promoting our school values, encouraging them to become responsible, respectful young people. When they leave Meath Green Junior School, they are ready for the next stage of their educational journey.

Due to the retirement of our current headteacher, the governors are looking for a headteacher who will continue to develop all aspects of the school including teaching and learning, governance, pupil outcomes and staff professional development, whilst ensuring that the school remains inclusive and supportive of all members of its community.

It is essential that the headteacher embraces our school values, and is a role model, whose ability and passionate approach to headship inspires, motivates and develops an able and committed staff team.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an inspirational leader, manager and team player, able to develop and articulate a clear vision for the future of the school;
• Inspire all members of the school community to flourish in their roles ensuring that Meath Green Junior School continues to be fully inclusive for all learners;
• Be approachable, reflective, forward thinking, have high expectations and the ability to ensure positive outcomes for our children;
• Have the ability to develop strong relationships with parents, governors, external agencies and build on our history of collaborative working within the HLP (Horley Learning Partnership);
• Have a record of successfully implementing initiatives to raise standards;
• Have experience of analysing and using school performance data and other evidence to inform targeted interventions;
• Have the ability to understand the importance of school self‑evaluation and current Ofsted inspection process;
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Have had recent successful experience as Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

We can offer:

• An able, enthusiastic and committed staff, who put the needs of the child at the centre of everything they do;
• Happy, friendly children who are eager to learn;
• An exciting and engaging curriculum;
• Governors who have a high regard for the school and are supportive of the continuing CPD of the Headteacher.

Meath Green Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and all pre‑employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Meath Green Junior School is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from candidates of all ages, backgrounds and identities. We support diversity, inclusion and neurodiversity and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The Governing Body fulfils its duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Interested candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school prior to application. Please contact the school to arrange a mutually convenient time. If you would like further information or to arrange a school visit, please telephone Lynne Stone. Please also visit our website.

The closing date for this vacancy is 10.00am 13th February 2026. Interviews will take place on 4th March 2026. Salary will be determined in accordance with the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document, taking account of the school’s Headteacher Group and the experience of the successful candidate.

Safeguarding Statement: Meath Green Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. There is a requirement for the successful applicant to take an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).