At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support students in their personal and academic development.
- Company: Kirkwall Grammar School, a historic and vibrant educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and relocation package available.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to student success and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a beautiful location.
- Qualifications: Must hold Full or Provisional registration with GTCS.
The predicted salary is between 67656 - 67656 £ per year.
35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) Permanent £67,656 (including Distant Islands Allowance). You will be reporting to the Depute Head Teacher. Your working pattern is Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working where possible.
Kirkwall Grammar School is one of the oldest schools in Scotland, tracing its history back to 1200 and our rich Norse heritage. These days KGS is a vibrant school of around 860 pupils with a catchment area which covers Kirkwall, the East Mainland, Orphir and the North and South Isles. Around 60 of our young people are accommodated in Papdale Halls of Residence during term time. The school building is modern, bright and well-resourced. Young people benefit from many opportunities within their wider curriculum including a strong tradition of music and creativity and a range of sports and outdoor activities.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled practitioner to take up the position of Principal Teacher of Guidance. Our House system comprises three houses, each made up of a core team of two PTs Guidance working alongside a DHT, Curriculum Support link and Skills Development Scotland adviser to meet the needs of young people as they move through the school. You will be committed to improvement and excellence and have a genuine interest in supporting young people to achieve their best. This will be reflected in a strong focus on positive outcomes for all young people as well as your own professional learning.
You will have the ability to develop and sustain effective relationships across the school community, developing partnerships within and beyond our school. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and successful team who work in a collaborative and innovative way to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse body of young people.
Applicants must hold Full or Provisional registration with GTCS. Salary will be based on Point 4 of the Principal Teacher Spine of the SNCT Salary Tables plus a Distant Islands Allowance. 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 on 15 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for 24 June 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Ewan Reid at ewan.reid@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 872102.
Principal Teacher of Guidance, Kirkwall Grammar School - ORK10433 in Orkney employer: Orkney Islands Council
Kirkwall Grammar School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where educators can thrive. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on positive outcomes for students, staff are encouraged to engage in innovative practices while enjoying the stunning natural beauty and rich heritage of Orkney. The school provides flexible working options and a relocation package, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful employment in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Teacher of Guidance, Kirkwall Grammar School - ORK10433 in Orkney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Kirkwall Grammar School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want to see how you can contribute to their mission of supporting young people, so come armed with ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for guidance and support during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in the past. We love hearing about real-life experiences!
✨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 our vibrant community at Kirkwall Grammar School.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Teacher of Guidance, Kirkwall Grammar School - ORK10433 in Orkney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Principal Teacher of Guidance. We want to see how you can contribute to our vibrant school community!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about helping students achieve their best, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Be sure to include any relevant experience that showcases your ability to develop effective relationships within a school setting. We value collaboration, so share examples of how you've worked with others to support students.
Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the school’s ethos and values, especially around supporting young people. Brush up on the guidance role and how it fits into the wider curriculum. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in the position and understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in developing relationships and supporting students. Think about times when you’ve made a positive impact on young people's lives and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that demonstrate your interest in the school and its community. Ask about the current challenges the guidance team faces or how they measure success in supporting students. This shows you’re proactive and engaged.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see who you are as a person and how you’ll fit into their team. Be enthusiastic about the role and share your passion for education and student support.
