At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a primary school, inspiring staff and students to achieve their best.
- Company: Join a vibrant community-focused school in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence educational practices across the trust.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape future leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for primary education.
The predicted salary is between 73105 - 84699 £ per year.
Primary School Headteacher - Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School, Warwickshire
Salary: Group Size 2, Headteacher range L15 - L21, (£73,105 - £84,699 per annum) Additional £5,450 per annum, in recognition of your role as a Professional Peer Coach, Membership of Teachers’ Pension Scheme
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Closing Date for applications: 2.00pm, Friday 12th June 2026
Start Date: January 2027 (potential for earlier start date, subject to successful candidates’ availability)
Our ideal candidate will be an existing and talented senior leader with a proven track record of leadership impact, which includes securing outstanding outcomes for all and demonstrating a real ambition and drive to continue improving the life chances of pupils, in line with our trust's vision and values. The successful candidate will also have a wider influence within our trust as a fully trained professional peer coach (training is given for this role).
About Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School
Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School is a one-form entry primary school that caters for pupils from EYFS to Year 6. Currently the school has 217 pupils on roll (May 2026). Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School’s current building was built in 1883; however, the foundations of the school were established in 1823 by Rev Thomas Helmore and known as The British School. The vision and values of the school then are the same now, 'To create a happy place, where children and adults learn and flourish in a creative, rewarding atmosphere and are given as many opportunities and experiences to increase their life chances.' We love the fact that we are literally round the corner from Shakespeare’s school. We are ideally placed to take full advantage of the traditions, history and cultural life of the town to enrich our educational provision. We strive to place our school at the heart of the community it serves; a school of which everyone can be proud.
We are a school that has a proud academic record and is committed to providing an excellent education for all our pupils and we aim to:
- Provide an exciting, broad and balanced curriculum which stretches children by allowing their imagination to develop
- Provide a safe, supportive and stimulating atmosphere enabling all children to succeed whatever their background or abilities
- Develop children creatively, socially, emotionally and spiritually to take pride in their learning
- Forge strong relationships with parents and the community
- Encourage children to become independent learners who can think reflectively and co-operate and show respect for others as well as for themselves
- Help our children to face the future with self-confidence
- Know all our children as individuals, who matter.
We have a strong belief that every child deserves a chance regardless of their skills or abilities and are given as many opportunities as they can to succeed. We are constantly creating and adapting an environment that is safe, fun, inspirational, ambitious and full of care. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, parents and volunteers to share this commitment. We are part of Community Academies Trust who value all children in our care as individuals and are focused on ensuring excellence for all.
We wish to hear from you if you really want to make a difference and are:
- An enthusiastic, energetic, and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at primary level
- A motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff
- Confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school
- Able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance
- A strong leader with excellent interpersonal skills, keen to work with staff across the school and the trust to ensure wide success
- Able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders
- Have an excellent working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding.
What we can offer you:
- An additional allowance per annum, in recognition of your role as a Professional Peer Coach (subject to experience)
- Highly effective trust-led school development support
- Access to training, resources and opportunities through membership of the trust’s ‘Institute of Education’
- Trust funded professional networking, conferences, and residential opportunities to support strategic thinking and joint working with other Headteachers within the trust
- Additional planning days built into the Term Time Calendar
- Flexible PPA arrangements
As a Trust we provide proactive workload support. We actively encourage candidates to have a conversation about the role before making a formal application, you can arrange this with our Director of Schools (Primary), Allyson Brown, by emailing Rebecca Shakespeare. Visits to the school are highly recommended and you will be warmly welcomed. These can be arranged with Rebecca following your conversation.
Visits to school: Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Closing date for applications: Friday 12th June 2026 (2.00pm)
Shortlisting date: Tuesday 16th June 2026
Interviews and assessment activities: Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Community Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks, and a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the standards which flows from Community Academies Trust vision and values. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offender Act 1974. The role is covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.
For queries on the application process please contact a member of the Community Academies Trust Human Resources team.
Community Academies Trust supports Equal Opportunities Employment.
“Education is for improving lives and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”
Headteacher: Transforming Primary Education & Coaching Leaders employer: Stratford-Upon-Avon Primary School
Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inspiring work environment where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, including trust-led training and networking opportunities, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their pupils. Located in the culturally rich town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the school fosters a community-centric approach, ensuring that every child is valued and given the chance to succeed.
Contact Details:
Stratford-Upon-Avon Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher: Transforming Primary Education & Coaching Leaders
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values and culture. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members if you can. They can provide insights into the school's environment and expectations, which can be super helpful when you're preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've positively impacted students and staff in your previous roles. Highlight your coaching experience and how it aligns with the school's vision of developing leaders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your enthusiasm for the position and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher: Transforming Primary Education & Coaching Leaders
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for transforming primary education shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to improving the life chances of pupils and how you align with our vision and values.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a senior leader. We’re looking for a proven track record, so be specific about your achievements and how they’ve positively impacted students and staff alike.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas effectively. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our HR team for guidance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stratford-Upon-Avon Primary School
✨Know the School's Vision and Values
Before your interview, make sure you understand Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School's vision and values. Reflect on how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to creating a happy and supportive learning environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered similar values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Impact
Prepare to discuss your track record of securing outstanding outcomes for pupils. Think of concrete examples where your leadership made a difference, whether through curriculum development or community engagement. This will demonstrate your ability to drive improvement and inspire others.
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
Since the school values strong relationships with parents and the community, come prepared with ideas on how you would enhance these connections. Share past experiences where you successfully engaged stakeholders and how you plan to continue this at Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School.
✨Be Ready for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, brush up on your knowledge of current safeguarding practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for all children and how you've handled safeguarding issues in the past.
