Casllwchwr Primary School: Deputy Head teacher

Casllwchwr Primary School is a successful, highly inclusive school at the heart of Loughor, situated on the Loughor Estuary. Our school serves a diverse community and provides a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to embrace our school motto of, 'Love to learn, seize the day and achieve your dreams.'

We are proud of our spacious grounds, which include well‑equipped playgrounds and dedicated outdoor learning areas, our nature reserve as well as our learning environments which supports our delivery of a broad and creative curriculum. Our curriculum is child‑led and rooted in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We provide every pupil with a progressive, skills‑driven journey that nurtures curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning. Pupils benefit from a rich variety of learning experiences, with strengths in outdoor learning and skill development.

Our dynamic and responsive teaching, shaped by local, national and global contexts, empowers each child to thrive as a confident and compassionate global citizen. Wellbeing is at the heart of our school. We are recognised for our inclusive ethos, robust support for wellbeing and additional learning needs, and our commitment to developing confident, ambitious learners. We champion diversity and neurodiversity, foster collaboration, and ensure every child feels seen, supported and valued.

Through a culture of resilience, inclusion and independence, we nurture pupils to take ownership of their learning and develop confidence in who they are and what they can achieve. We work closely with families and the wider community to ensure that every child is fully supported and appropriately challenged.

Casllwchwr Primary was last inspected by Estyn in 2023, and we were very proud of the outcome. Estyn described Casllwchwr Primary as 'a caring and nurturing school with the local community at the heart of its activities. Pupils are confident learners that play an active role in the school and its community. All pupils feel that they have a voice through their participation in different learner groups. They are encouraged to look out for each other to ensure that they are 'ready to learn', 'respectful of one another' and feel 'safe'.'

We are proud of these achievements and are determined to maintain them going forward. Our skilled and dedicated staff work closely with governors, parents, carers, and the wider community to provide a high‑quality educational experience. We consider parents and carers to be active partners in shaping each child's learning journey—celebrating progress every step of the way.

The Governing Body are seeking an inspirational and forward‑thinking leader to guide our school into its next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a thriving school with a strong reputation, within a supportive, engaged community.

The Role: Casllwchwr Governing Body are seeking to appoint a permanent Deputy Headteacher to work in close partnership with the Headteacher and senior leadership team. This is a key strategic role, offering the opportunity to shape teaching, learning and whole‑school improvement within a diverse and vibrant school community. The Deputy Headteacher will be a highly visible leader, providing clarity, consistency and professional challenge, while contributing positively to the culture, wellbeing and values of the school.

The successful candidate will be trusted to lead significant aspects of whole‑school leadership and to deputise in the Headteacher's absence.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide strategic leadership for teaching, learning and curriculum coherence, ensuring high expectations and strong outcomes for all learners.
• Lead robust quality assurance and self‑evaluation, using evidence to celebrate strengths and drive continuous improvement.
• Support and challenge staff through effective professional learning, coaching and development, contributing to a reflective and aspirational community culture.
• Contribute to inclusive leadership, ensuring that wellbeing, equity, safeguarding and support for learners with additional learning needs are embedded consistently across school life.
• Work in genuine partnership with the Headteacher, sharing leadership responsibility and contributing to whole‑school decision‑making.
• Demonstrate the judgement, credibility and leadership presence to deputise when required.

We are looking for a Deputy Headteacher who:

• Is a strong, energetic and innovative senior leader with experience of whole‑school leadership, and a clear understanding of the demands of a deputy headship.
• Is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher committed to meeting the needs of all learners.
• Has a proven impact on raising standards and improving practice, while remaining child‑centred and values‑driven.
• Brings at least one area of leadership strength, while demonstrating the capacity and willingness to learn and grow into others.
• Leads with integrity, empathy and professionalism, while holding high expectations for staff and pupils.
• Is committed to the vision for an anti‑racist Wales, promoting diversity and equity, and believing deeply that all children can succeed.
• Is committed to further developing pupil voice, rights respecting schools and restorative practice.
• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, building trust with staff, pupils, families and external partners.
• Can use robust data systems to understand and improve pupil progress.
• A high level of digital competency.
• A leader with the belief in curriculum transformation in line with the curriculum for Wales, who will seek out collaboration with others, and lead curriculum design.

We can offer:

• Enthusiastic, engaged pupils who are proud of their school.
• A dedicated, reflective and supportive staff team.
• A strong inclusive ethos, rooted in belonging and community.
• Supportive governors with high aspirations for the school.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a forward‑thinking leadership team.

Casllwchwr Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all relevant pre‑employment checks.

The application form should be returned to the Clerk to Governors, Debra Brayley. Your supporting letter of application should be no longer than 2,000 words. Please note, as part of the process, shortlisted candidates will be expected to undertake a lesson observation and a formal interview. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We would encourage you to undertake a visit to our school, so that you can see for yourself what the school has to offer. A tour of the school for prospective applicants is arranged for 30 April 2026 at 4 pm. Please email the school's Clerk to Governors, Debra Brayley, to confirm your attendance at the tour.

School tour date: Thursday 30 April 2026. Closing date: Thursday 7 May 12:00 midday. Teaching observation week: to be arranged for week commencing 18 May 2026 (TBC). Formal interviews: Week commencing 18 May 2026.