At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small island school, ensuring quality education and adventurous learning for children.
- Company: Papa Westray Primary School, a close-knit community-focused institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and relocation package available.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to positive outcomes and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a unique island lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Must have provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
The predicted salary is between 74148 - 74148 £ per year.
35 hours per week Temporary to 18 June 2027 £74,148. You will be reporting to the Service Manager, Primary Education. Your working pattern is Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working where possible.
We are looking for an experienced, committed practitioner, with excellent strategic management skills, to take up the temporary post of Head Teacher for this highly regarded small island school. Papa Westray Community School has a current roll of 7 children from P1-7 and 2 children in nursery. This post is a ‘teaching-head’ position. Management and planning time is provided by a committed teaching team who travel to Papa Westray on a Monday and Wednesday.
The Headteacher is also the registered Nursery Manager for the setting, working closely with the nursery staff to ensure quality provision and social opportunities for all children. This post will allow an enthusiastic primary school teacher to work with a close-knit team who are passionate about achieving positive outcomes for every child. The nature and size of the school allow an exciting balance of adventurous learning whilst ensuring progression and learning routines.
The School is located in the centre of Papa Westray and enjoys strong support from the wider community. On an annual basis, the school works with a wide variety of local and national partners to ensure that children have opportunities for wider achievement.
You must have a minimum of provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. The Head Teacher is also the Early Learning and Childcare (Nursery) manager and as such needs to fulfil the requirements of the Care Inspectorate for registration.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants. This post is a regulated role with children and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Interview expenses are payable for this post. Relocation package is available in line with Council Policy for this post. Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 14 June 2026 with shortlisting taking place 18 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for 01 July 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Morag Miller - Service Manager, Primary Education at morag.miller@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Acting Head Teacher, Papa Westray Primary School - ORK10408 employer: Orkney Islands Council
Papa Westray Primary School offers a unique opportunity for dedicated educators to thrive in a supportive and community-focused environment. With a small class size and a committed teaching team, you will have the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of children while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary that includes allowances for remote living. The school fosters a culture of collaboration and adventure in learning, ensuring that every child achieves their potential in a nurturing setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Acting Head Teacher, Papa Westray Primary School - ORK10408
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who might know about the Head Teacher role at Papa Westray. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school and its community. Show us that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a small island school. Tailor your answers to reflect your commitment to adventurous learning and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teaching philosophy! As a ‘teaching-head’, you’ll need to demonstrate your strategic management skills while also being hands-on. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully balanced these roles in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Acting Head Teacher, Papa Westray Primary School - ORK10408
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head Teacher. We want to see your passion for education and how you can contribute to our small island school community.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a teaching-head position, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic management skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, and how you plan to inspire both staff and students at Papa Westray.
Highlight Community Engagement:Since the school enjoys strong support from the community, let us know about your experience working with local partners or engaging families in the educational process. This will show us that you understand the importance of community in a small school setting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your School
Before the interview, take some time to research Papa Westray Primary School. Understand its values, community involvement, and the unique challenges it faces as a small island school. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head Teacher, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic management skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed change, or improved educational outcomes in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these skills in a teaching-head position.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight your experience in working with local communities and partners. Discuss any initiatives you've led or participated in that fostered community engagement. This is particularly important for a school like Papa Westray, which thrives on strong community support.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions. Ask about the school's vision for the future, how they support professional development, or what challenges they foresee in the coming years. This shows your commitment and interest in the role.
