At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a caring team, ensuring high-quality teaching and a safe environment for all children.
- Company: A cherished village school with strong community ties and Christian values.
- Benefits: Supportive staff, professional development opportunities, and a nurturing school community.
- Other info: Visit the school to see our vibrant community in action!
- Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved school while inspiring students and staff alike.
- Qualifications: Experienced in primary leadership, committed to inclusion and high expectations.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
The Headteacher will be a visible, compassionate and strategic leader who champions excellence in teaching and learning and embodies the school's Christian values.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading, supporting and developing a committed and caring staff team
- Ensuring the delivery of a high quality, inclusive and ambitious curriculum
- Creating a culture where all children feel safe, motivated and able to flourish
- Strengthening partnerships with parents, Dorchester Abbey and the wider community
- Upholding and promoting the school's Christian ethos in daily practice
Please note there will be a teaching commitment.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a leader who is:
- Inspirational and resilient - able to motivate staff, pupils and families through both successes and challenges
- Values-driven - modelling the Christian principles that underpin our school
- Ambitious for every child - committed to inclusion and high expectations for all
- Experienced in primary school leadership - committed to leading on professional development.
This is a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a cherished village school.
What the school offers its staff
- A welcoming, nurturing and purpose driven school community
- A dedicated staff team who cares deeply about children's outcomes
- Strong support from the school’s Governing Board and wider community
- Close partnership with Dorchester Abbey
- Engaged families who value the school’s ethos and vision
- The opportunity to lead a school with a strong identity and deep community roots
- Opportunities for professional development
Further details about the role
- Closing date: midday Monday 18th May 2026
- Interviews: Candidate interviews will be held on Wednesday 20th of May 2026. Alternative dates may be available depending on staff availability.
- Start date: 1 September 2026
School Visits
We strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit St Birinus. To book a visit, please contact the school office: office@st-birinus-pri.oxon.sch.uk Tel: 01865 340081.
Application Requirements
Applications should include a personal statement addressing the person specification, with particular emphasis on:
- Leadership of teaching and learning
- High expectations for all pupils
- Commitment to the Christian ethos of the school
Applications should be made using the Oxfordshire County Council application form: https://oxfordshire.education-jobs.org.uk/
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical, online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Headteacher in Wallingford employer: Teaching vacancies
Contact Detail:
Teaching vacancies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Wallingford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a good look at St Birinus' website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their values and community initiatives so you can show how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to leadership and teaching. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support staff and students alike.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for education and the school's Christian ethos shine through. Share your vision for creating an inclusive and ambitious curriculum that motivates every child.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Wallingford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your personal statement, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for education and how you embody the school's Christian values. Share your experiences and what drives you as a leader!
Address the Key Responsibilities: Make sure to directly address the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We’re looking for someone who can lead and support our staff team, so highlight your leadership style and any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to create an inclusive and ambitious curriculum.
Show Your Commitment to Community: We value strong partnerships with parents and the wider community. In your application, mention any past experiences where you've successfully engaged with families or community organisations. This will show us that you understand the importance of collaboration in a school setting.
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to use the Oxfordshire County Council application form when applying! We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to double-check your application for any errors before submitting it – first impressions count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching vacancies
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the Christian values that underpin the school. Reflect on how these values resonate with your own leadership style and be ready to share specific examples of how you've embodied similar principles in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience in primary school leadership. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team or implemented a new curriculum. Be specific about the outcomes and how you supported your staff through challenges, as this will demonstrate your resilience and commitment to professional development.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight your experience in strengthening partnerships with parents and the wider community. Share examples of how you’ve engaged families in the educational process and how you plan to continue fostering those relationships at St Birinus. This shows you value collaboration and community involvement.
✨Prepare for Teaching Commitment Questions
Since there’s a teaching commitment involved, be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you plan to maintain high expectations for all pupils. Think about how you can balance your leadership role with teaching responsibilities, and be prepared to share strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment.