At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small island school, ensuring quality education and community engagement.
- Company: Papa Westray Primary School, a close-knit and supportive educational environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and relocation package available.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with passionate educators.
- 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.
Head Teacher, Papa Westray School
35 hours per week
Temporary to 18 June 2027
£74,148 (from 1 August 2026, including Distant Islands and Remote Islands Allowances)
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.
Salary will be based on point 1 of the Head Teacher SNCT Salary Table from 1 August 2026 plus Distant Islands Allowance and Remote 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 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 in Scotland employer: Orkney Islands Council
Papa Westray Primary School offers a unique opportunity for an experienced educator to lead a small, dedicated team in a supportive community setting. With a focus on flexible working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, this role allows for meaningful engagement with students and the chance to foster adventurous learning experiences. The school enjoys strong community ties and provides a relocation package, making it an attractive option for those seeking a rewarding teaching position in a picturesque location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Acting Head Teacher, Papa Westray Primary School - ORK10408 in Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who might know about opportunities at Papa Westray Primary School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school and its community. Show us that you understand the unique challenges and joys of working in a small island school. Tailor your answers to reflect your passion for adventurous learning and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teaching philosophy! Be ready to discuss how you would lead a small team and manage both teaching and administrative duties. We want to see your strategic management skills 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 serious about joining our team at Papa Westray Primary School.
We think you need these skills to ace Acting Head Teacher, Papa Westray Primary School - ORK10408 in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you understand what the Acting Head Teacher role entails. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and requirements. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to the needs of Papa Westray Primary School. Use examples from your past that showcase your strategic management skills and commitment to education.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Make sure your passion for teaching shines through while keeping it professional and to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information there to help you along the way!
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 genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head Teacher, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic management skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or implemented effective teaching strategies. Highlight how you can inspire and motivate both staff and students.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the school enjoys strong support from the local community, think about how you can contribute to this relationship. Be ready to discuss ideas for community engagement and partnerships that could enhance the educational experience for the children.
✨Prepare for Teaching Scenarios
Given that this is a 'teaching-head' position, be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you would balance administrative duties with classroom responsibilities. Consider specific scenarios you might face and how you would handle them to ensure quality provision for all children.
