At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire students as Principal Teacher of Guidance at Stromness Academy.
- Company: Join a vibrant community at Stromness Academy, dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and relocation support.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit team in a supportive environment with great career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and contribute to school improvement.
- Qualifications: Must have teaching experience and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60495 - 60495 £ per year.
35 hours per week Permanent £60,495. The above amount includes Distant Islands Allowance. You will be reporting to the Guidance Manager. Your working pattern is Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
We are looking for a committed and dynamic Principal Teacher of Guidance. As a Principal Teacher, you will be a skilled and enthusiastic educator; fully committed to the learning and teaching approaches of the school and to inspiring and motivating pupils and colleagues. You will be responsible for one of our ‘houses’ of approximately 120 pupils in years S1-6. This role includes teaching PSE lessons, supporting pupils with their academic options and applying for destinations post-school. You will take responsibility for all matters to do with the welfare of pupils in your caseload, in line with GIRFEC principles. You will have a good knowledge of contemporary issues affecting young people and relevant policy.
Excellent communication skills, with pupils, parents and staff, both in school and other agencies, are key to this role. As a Principal Teacher of Guidance, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership of an aspect of the Guidance department. As part of our extended leadership team, you will contribute to whole school self-evaluation processes and the school improvement plan to ensure whole school continuous improvement.
Stromness Academy is a six-year secondary school on a well-appointed campus in Orkney. Our catchment area covers the town of Stromness and the West Mainland, a dispersed population with over two thirds of our pupils being bussed into school. The small size of our school (approximately 350 on roll), and our classes, means we know our pupils well and can be flexible to meet their needs. We are committed to providing a positive and purposeful environment where all our pupils achieve, as set out in our school vision. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to become part of a forward-looking school and a rich and vibrant community.
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.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 14 June 2026 with shortlisting taking place shortly after and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 22 June 2026. For a discussion about the role, contact Paul Barber at paul.barber@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 850660.
Principal Teacher of Guidance, Stromness Academy - ORK10443 in Orkney employer: Orkney Islands Council
Stromness Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where educators can thrive. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a focus on professional development, we empower our staff to inspire and motivate students in a close-knit community. Located in the picturesque Orkney Islands, our school provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while enjoying a rich cultural experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Teacher of Guidance, Stromness Academy - ORK10443 in Orkney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Stromness Academy on LinkedIn or through social media. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching contemporary issues affecting young people. Show us you’re not just a great educator but also someone who understands the challenges our pupils face.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Role-play common interview questions with a friend, focusing on how you’d engage with pupils, parents, and staff. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our vibrant community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Teacher of Guidance, Stromness Academy - ORK10443 in Orkney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and guidance shine through. We want to see how committed you are to inspiring and motivating pupils, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Principal Teacher of Guidance. Highlight your experience with PSE lessons and your understanding of contemporary issues affecting young people. We love seeing how you align with our school’s vision!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more info about the school and our community there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Principal Teacher of Guidance. Familiarise yourself with GIRFEC principles and contemporary issues affecting young people. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the challenges and opportunities it presents.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with pupils, parents, and colleagues in the past. Think about specific situations where your communication made a positive impact, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Principal Teacher, you’ll be part of the extended leadership team. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you’ve contributed to school improvement initiatives in previous roles. Highlight any strategic leadership experiences you have that align with the school’s vision.
✨Engage with the School's Community
Research Stromness Academy and its community. Understand their values and how they support their pupils. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for becoming part of this vibrant community and share ideas on how you can contribute positively to the school environment.
