Headteacher in Ashford

At Pluckley Church of England Primary School we aim to provide the ‘rich soil’ for our community; nurturing and cultivating all, to thrive and to achieve their full potential.

Mark 4: 3-8: "In the right soil, every single seed can grow and flourish to produce a bountiful harvest."

The Trust, staff, and pupils invite applications from inspirational, committed, and forward-thinking leaders for the post of Headteacher at Pluckley Church of England Primary School.

Following the retirement of our highly respected Headteacher, we are looking for an exceptional practitioner with the vision, pedagogical drive, and pastoral warmth to lead our school community into its next chapter of flourishing.

At Pluckley, our Christian REFLECT values are Respect, Enjoyment, Friendship, Leadership, Endeavour, Cooperation and Trust. These are promoted in all aspects of school life and, we believe, are important values for our children to take with them into the future. Our Christian ethos, derived from Mark 4: 3-8, and rooted in the belief that “In the right soil, every single seed can grow and flourish to produce a bountiful harvest,” encourages a real sense of community and the family nature of the school means that children can be themselves in a safe and caring environment. As a church school our faith is precious and central to every part of our lives. The way that we see the world around us, the way that we treat each other, the way that we look for every day opportunities to help those in need and in the example that we demonstrate to all those we meet are lived out daily. We provide a nurturing, intellectually ambitious, and inclusive learning environment where every child is known, celebrated, and supported to reach their full, God-given potential.

Numbers on roll: 100 | Age Range: 3 –11 years, Diocese: Diocese of Canterbury

Are you a Leader who:

* Can preserve, articulate, and dynamically grow our distinctively Christian vision, worship, and ethos across all areas of school life.

* Is an experienced, evidence-informed educator with a proven track record of securing high academic standards and curricular breadth.

* Leads with empathy, moral purpose, resilience, and visible presence, placing pupils’ wellbeing and spiritual growth at the centre of every decision.

* Champions inclusive education, removing barriers for disadvantaged pupils and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

* Possesses strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen, ensuring resource stewardship and staff retention.

* Collaborates effectively with the trust, staff, governors, parents, the church of and diocesan partners.

* Is fully committed to upholding, modelling, and enriching the distinct Christian foundation and values of the school while serving families of all faiths and none.

Informal visits to the school are warmly welcomed and strongly encouraged. To schedule a visit please contact Lorraine Smith, head@pluckley-kemnal.org or for a virtual conversation; jenni.richards@kemnal.org; Website - http://www.pluckley-kemnal.org/

Great Teaching Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk, it’s our priority. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

* Exceptional development: Access high-quality development and training opportunities tailored to your role.

* Career Pathways: Receive encouragement and support to grow your skills, with clear routes toward curriculum leadership, senior leadership, and wider trust roles.

* 24/7 Confidential Counselling: Free, round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.

* Family-Friendly Policies: Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.

* Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.

* Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.

* Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.

* Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

What We Can Offer You at Pluckley:

* Enthusiastic, inquisitive, and polite children who are proud of their school and eager to learn.

* A talented, hard-working, and collaborative team of teachers and support staff.

* An engaged, supportive, and active Trust committed to your professional wellbeing and continuous development.

* Strong external partnerships with our local parish, the Diocese of Canterbury and the Local Authority.

* Comprehensive mentoring, and leadership development pathways.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working - Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Application Details & Next Steps - Interview dates for this role are listed in the key vacancy details above; please ensure you hold this date in your diary when applying. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications, so early submission is encouraged.

Be Who You Are: Interview & Workplace Adjustments - Should you be selected and invited to interview, please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate fully. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments within both the recruitment process and the workplace to support every candidate.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment - Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right-to-work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.