At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pioneering nursery school and enhance child-centred education.
- Company: Rachel McMillan Nursery School, a respected institution with over 110 years of history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive community, professional development opportunities, and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of early education.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience and a passion for inclusive early years education.
- Other info: Join a welcoming team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
The predicted salary is between 74479 - 86566 £ per year.
# Headteacher – Rachel McMillan Nursery School## Job Introduction**Website:****Email:** admin@rachelmcmillan.greenwich.sch.uk**Headteacher****Salary:** Group 1 range: L10 to L17 (£74,479 to £86,566)**Job type:** Full-Time, Permanent**Start date**: Summer Term 2026**Apply by:** 12:00 p.m. on Monday 3rd November 2025Due to the retirement of our long-standing Headteacher, the Governing Body are recruiting a new Headteacher. Someone who will build on the outstanding practice of our unique and highly respected Maintained Nursery School and continue its evolution.At Rachel McMillan, we believe that children come first. The pioneering McMillan sisters started their work in Deptford in the early 1900’s. The school has been at the heart of the local community, held in high regard, for over 110 years and located on the current site since 1914. We are proud of our history, just as we are proud to have been continually rated outstanding by OFSTED since 2009. But we also recognise our responsibility to ensure our practice develops and evolves to achieve the best outcomes for all our children.We have a strong tradition of child-centred and open-air education. We are proud of our inclusive practice, always developing our expertise to ensure that our provision provides exemplary support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, in order that they have an excellent start to their education.We are equally proud of our diverse community of children, families, staff and governors. This diversity reflects the wider community. Our school community is a cohesive and supportive one.In line with all aspects of our work, we are determined to work within the area of Equality Diversity and Inclusion, to continuously develop research informed, innovative practice; participating in our Local Authority’s racial literacy work, the Educate Against Racism Early Years Project (Belonging and Identity) and a series of race equity workshops.Our new Headteacher will always serve in the best interests of all the children and will work in reflective collaboration with all our stakeholders to further develop and implement a vision and strategic direction, based on our school ethos, values and the founding principles of open-air nursery schools. This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving school with a unique history and a national and international reputation.**The successful candidate will have,*** Significant leadership experience that has included impacting on and improving outcomes for children aged 2-5 years old.* Experience of Safeguarding and Child Protection duties, as Deputy Safeguarding Officer or Designated Safeguarding Lead.* A dedication to promoting children’s development and learning through play.* A commitment to providing high quality, fully inclusive Early Years Education.* A passion for and belief in the value of working together with families and other professionals to achieve the very best outcomes for all children.* A deep commitment to ensuring children in the most vulnerable or under resourced circumstances are given equality of opportunity.* Excellent interpersonal skills, including being welcoming, approachable and empathetic.* The ability to maintain the warm, welcoming and family like feel of the school.* A commitment to professional development, including self.**What we can offer you,*** A Local Authority supportive of the four Greenwich Maintained Nursery Schools and committed to collaborative working with all Headteachers.* Funding to join ‘Early Essentials’, highly regarded CPD for new Headteachers.* A mentor for your first year of Headship.* A group of experienced and supportive Heads within the Maintained Nursery Schools and Greenwich Community Schools Partnership.* A confidential 24 hour employee assistance helpline.* A supportive and effective Governing Body.* An experienced, hardworking and welcoming staff team.* An amazing school community, with wonderful children and supportive families.**A visit to the school in advance of application is strongly recommended.**To book a visit, please contact Michelle Campbell, School Business Manager: sbm@rachelmcmillan.greenwich.sch.uk**We look forward to hearing from you.****Commitment to Safeguarding**Rachel McMillan Nursery School is an equal opportunities employer. Rachel McMillan Nursery School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. We expect all staff, students, volunteers and Governors to share this commitment.Our recruitment process follows the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Offers of appointment will be conditional to a satisfactory outcome on the following checks; (where relevant) childcare disqualification Enhanced Disclosure and Barring service (DBS), medical, online and social media, prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references on suitability to work with children. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we reserve the right to conduct the relevant checks as part of our due diligence and to share any pertinent information found concerning a candidate\’s suitability to work with children with the panel, to be discussed at interview stage.**The successful candidate must meet the requirements of the Person Specification to be offered the post.****No C.V.s will be accepted.****Please apply for this post via the ‘Application Form’ link. Applications forms should be hand signed and submitted via email to Michelle Campbell, School Business Manager, sbm@rachelmcmillan.greenwich.sch.uk.****Closing date:** 12pm Monday 3rd November 2025**Short Listing**: to be confirmed**Recruitment Days:** Tasks – Wednesday 19th November 2025Interviews – Thursday 20th November 2025**Candidates must be available for both recruitment days.**The following content displays a map of the job\’s location.| OpenStreetMap contributors### Headteacher – Rachel McMillan Nursery School* **Salary** £74479 – £86566* **Frequency** Annual* **Job Reference** royalgreenwich/TP/1042/350* **Contract Type** Permanent* **Closing Date** 03 November, 2025* **Job Category** Head teacher* **Business Unit** Schools* **Location** McMillan Street, Deptford, London, United Kingdom* **Level of Disclosure and Barring Service, DBS, check required** Enhanced DBS with Childrens\’ Barred List* **Posted on** 22 September, 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Headteacher - Rachel McMillan Nursery School employer: Royal Greenwich
Contact Detail:
Royal Greenwich Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher - Rachel McMillan Nursery School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before applying! A visit can give you a real feel for the place and help you tailor your approach. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insights that might just give you the edge in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your values align with the school's ethos. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow the process closely.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - Rachel McMillan Nursery School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to learn about Rachel McMillan Nursery School. Understanding our ethos and values will help you tailor your application to show how you align with our mission of putting children first.
Be Authentic: When filling out the application form, let your personality shine through! We want to see your passion for early years education and your commitment to inclusivity. Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to teaching.
Follow the Instructions: Make sure to follow the application guidelines closely. Remember, we only accept applications via the provided form, so no CVs, please! Hand sign your application and send it to the right email address to avoid any hiccups.
Ask Questions: If you're unsure about anything or want to know more about the role, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact Michelle Campbell to book a visit or ask any questions. We’re here to help you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Greenwich
✨Know Your History
Before the interview, take some time to learn about the rich history of Rachel McMillan Nursery School. Understanding the legacy of the McMillan sisters and the school's commitment to child-centred education will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your significant leadership experience, especially how it has positively impacted outcomes for children aged 2-5. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your dedication to inclusive early years education and your ability to lead a team effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your commitment to working collaboratively with families and other professionals. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with stakeholders in the past to achieve the best outcomes for children, as this aligns with the school's ethos of community involvement.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with child protection duties. Familiarise yourself with relevant policies and be prepared to explain how you would ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all children at the nursery.