At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant primary school community, fostering growth and connection.
- Company: Burnbrae Primary School, a modern and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership team, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to trauma-informed practices and inclusive education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading innovative educational practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in school leadership and a passion for nurturing young minds.
The predicted salary is between 71820 - 71820 £ per year.
Burnbrae Primary is a large, modern, non-denominational school over two campuses, situated in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian. At the Burnbrae Road Campus we have 16 classes in our Primary School Primaries 1-7. The school's learning environment is enhanced with a well-resourced library, Expressive Arts Room, PE Hall, Meeting Rooms and break out spaces inside, as well as a MUGA, garden and trim trails outside. Our Primary One classes have their own outdoor learning space which is accessed free flow from a large playroom and classroom.
Burnbrae Primary has a large Nursery and Complex Needs Provision at Burnbrae Early situated on a Joint Campus with St Mary’s RC Primary. We have three bespoke playrooms and a large, stimulating, interconnected outside space as well as a large sand pit. The capacity is 120 across all three rooms but we expect about 88 children this session. Each room has a Senior EYP and we also have LAs to complement the team of EYPs, a designated DHT and the support of the HT and whole leadership team.
Our Complex Needs Provision known as Wee Brae has 4 classes and a capacity of 32 children. The team comprises Teachers, EYPs and Learning Assistants led by a Principal Teacher. Support is provided by the Senior Leadership Team, which consists of three Depute Head Teachers and a Head Teacher supported by four Principal Teachers (2 part time).
Our vision is to Be You, Belong, Connect, and Grow. We believe in and promote the values of love, courage and curiosity. We place our learners at the centre of all we do and strive to ensure that all children achieve their highest potential in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Applications for this post are invited from people who work effectively as part of a variety of teams, have a commitment to trauma-informed practice and experience of working with children with complex needs. You will be a highly organised, values-driven leader who is motivated and ambitious for the success of all young people. You will have a proven track record of delivering success in school leadership demonstrating the necessary skills to work well in a team towards the next phase of the school's improvement journey. The successful candidate will have the necessary characteristics to work in a high-paced environment where innovation, commitment and inclusive practices are expected.
Interviews for the above post will take place on Tuesday 16th June 2026.
Requirements
Pre Employment Checks/Requirements for Teaching Positions: If you are successful, our offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory completion of pre-employment requirements, such as medical screening, two written references, one which must be from your most recent/current employer, verification of your original qualifications and your eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. Registration with the General Teaching Council and a satisfactory PVG check for Regulated Work with Children will also be essential.
General Teaching Council Scotland: Teachers applying for permanent posts should be fully registered with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS). For further information on registration please visit: www.gtcs.org.uk
Regulated Work with Children: This post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require a PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 6 consecutive pay periods. The fee for a PVG Scheme Record Update is £18. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 2 consecutive pay periods. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.
In your application, we ask for information under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We ask you to disclose any unspent convictions. Disclosures should be made by writing to or emailing the Employment and Reward Manager, in confidence, giving details of the offence(s), penalty and date(s) of conviction. Applicants should note that failure to disclose a conviction which is subsequently advised through a Disclosure Scotland check may result in the withdrawal of any offer of appointment. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar an applicant from working with Midlothian. Decisions regarding suitability for positions of trust which are subject to vetting will be dependent on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of the offence(s).
For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk. Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
How to Apply: Please apply online. Facilities are available at all public libraries in Midlothian. If you have difficulty applying for this post or in accessing the attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please call 0131 271 3063 to speak to a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number. If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Closing Date: Sunday 7th June 2026
Depute Head Teacher - Burnbrae Primary School - MID07520 employer: Midlothian Council
Burnbrae Primary School is an exceptional employer that fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, the school offers ample opportunities for growth and innovation, ensuring that educators can thrive in their roles. Located in the vibrant community of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, the school boasts modern facilities and a supportive leadership team dedicated to the success of every child.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Depute Head Teacher - Burnbrae Primary School - MID07520
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and connect with other educators on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Burnbrae Primary School, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their vision of 'Be You, Belong, Connect, and Grow'. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for education! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially with children with complex needs. Let your enthusiasm shine through – it’s contagious!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our site for any updates or new opportunities that might pop up after you’ve applied.
We think you need these skills to ace Depute Head Teacher - Burnbrae Primary School - MID07520
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and vision of Burnbrae Primary. Highlight your commitment to nurturing and supporting all learners, as well as your experience in trauma-informed practices.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your proven track record in school leadership! Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven improvements in previous roles, especially in high-paced environments.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply online through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details or updates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your School
Before the interview, take some time to research Burnbrae Primary School. Familiarise yourself with its values, vision, and the unique learning environment it offers. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Depute Head Teacher, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or implemented innovative practices. Highlight how these experiences align with the school's commitment to trauma-informed practice and inclusive education.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex needs. Think about specific situations you've encountered in your career and how you addressed them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the school's future plans, the support available for staff, or how they measure success in their students. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.