At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the primary phase, shaping strategy and driving improvement for students and staff.
- Company: Oasis Academy Don Valley, a forward-thinking all-through academy.
- Benefits: Strong mentoring, career pathways, and a values-led organisation.
- Other info: Join a supportive community committed to safeguarding and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education and develop your leadership identity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a senior leader ready for headship responsibilities.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
Oasis Academy Don Valley is offering an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious and values driven primary leader to take on a career defining role, working alongside our newly appointed Principal within a forward thinking, all through academy. This is an ideal opportunity for a talented Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher or senior leader who is already operating at headship level and is ready for the scope, influence and accountability that comes with it.
Why this role is different
This is not a token stepping stone position, but a genuine headship level role with real scope, trust and accountability. As Head of School (Primary), you will lead the full operational and educational life of the primary phase, acting as a visible and decisive leader for staff, pupils and families. You will shape strategy, drive improvement and see the direct impact of your leadership every day, while building the skills, confidence and proven track record needed for future Principal or Headteacher roles. You will be trusted, supported and challenged, working in close partnership with the Principal and the wider Oasis network. This role will suit a leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, making difficult decisions when required, and setting a clear direction that others are confident to follow.
What you'll be trusted to lead
- Teaching, learning and curriculum quality across the primary phase
- Staff leadership, development and performance management
- Behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and pastoral systems
- High expectations, consistency and a strong professional culture
- Deep, positive relationships with parents and the local community
You will take vision and translate it into daily practice, ensuring classrooms are calm, ambitious environments in which children thrive.
Who this role is for
This role will suit a senior primary leader who is ready for their first headship level appointment and is already driving improvement beyond their own classroom or phase. You will be credible, visible and confident when leading adults through change, able to balance high expectations with a values led approach. Grounded in strong moral purpose and a genuine commitment to inclusion, you will be motivated to grow, develop and take on increasing leadership responsibility as part of your next career step.
Why Oasis Academy Don Valley?
- A genuine step up role with significant leadership stretch
- Strong mentoring and support from the Principal and Oasis Community Learning
- A values led organisation with national reach and clear career pathways
- The opportunity to shape both a primary phase and your own leadership identity
If you're ready to move from senior leader to headship level impact, this is the role that could define your next chapters.
Safeguarding Statement
Oasis Academy Don Valley 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. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Head of School (Primary) in England employer: Oasis Community Learning
Oasis Academy Don Valley is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for aspiring leaders to make a significant impact in the educational landscape. With a strong commitment to values-driven leadership, the academy provides robust mentoring and support from experienced professionals, fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises staff development and career progression. Located in a vibrant community, this role not only allows you to shape the future of primary education but also empowers you to build meaningful relationships with families and local stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School (Primary) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on the Head of School role at Oasis Academy Don Valley.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the academy's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your leadership style aligns with their vision and be ready to discuss how you can drive improvement in the primary phase.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led change and improved outcomes in your previous roles. We want to hear about your journey and how it prepares you for this headship level position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Oasis Academy Don Valley team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School (Primary) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with ours at Oasis Academy Don Valley, so don’t hold back on sharing your vision for the primary phase!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Head of School role. Highlight your leadership achievements and any initiatives you've led that demonstrate your ability to drive improvement and foster a positive culture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your leadership style and how you plan to translate our vision into daily practice. Remember, we love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Oasis Academy Don Valley!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oasis Community Learning
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the primary phase. Be ready to articulate how you would translate that vision into daily practice at Oasis Academy Don Valley. Think about specific strategies you would implement to drive improvement and foster a positive learning environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for a headship role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change, managed performance, and built strong relationships with staff and the community. Highlight your ability to balance high expectations with a values-led approach.
✨Engage with the Community
Oasis Academy values deep, positive relationships with parents and the local community. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with these stakeholders. Share any past experiences where you successfully built partnerships or improved community involvement in school activities.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions that challenge your decision-making skills and moral purpose. Think about scenarios where you had to make difficult decisions and how you handled them. Show that you can maintain high standards while being inclusive and supportive of all students and staff.
