At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team to enhance learning experiences for students.
- Company: Winchburgh Primary School, part of a supportive and collaborative community.
- Benefits: Permanent position with professional development opportunities and a positive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a rapidly growing community.
- Qualifications: Relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
- Other info: Join a diverse workforce committed to educational excellence and equity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
35 hours per week, 47 weeks per year, Permanent
Interviews will be held Thursday 5th February 2026.
West Lothian Council are committed to far reaching changes to the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include giving you the support and environment that you need to get on with your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council achievement of the Investors in People Standard and always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the dynamic, hardworking and successful team within Winchburgh Primary School & ELC. The school is a non-denominational primary with a school roll, currently standing at 511 across primary school and early learning. The school benefits from a diverse catchment area with a Free Meal Entitlement of 11% and Clothing Grants of 14%. The school is part of the Winchburgh Academy Cluster and has very strong links with the Academy along with our wider community.
Winchburgh Primary School is also linked through our Collaborative Leadership Model with Bridgend Primary School, who share the same Head Teacher. Whilst both schools are very different, staff work collaboratively between the schools and share skills and experience to maximise learning opportunities for all. Winchburgh is a rapidly expanding community due to significant house building in the area. Schools in the area work collaboratively to share facilities and to progress a range of learning which support the wider area.
The school has current allocations for the Head Teacher, 1 Depute Head Teacher, 2 Principal Teachers and 23 Class Teachers, almost all of whom hold development post-holder roles. In the ELC there is an enthusiastic and expanded team of Early Years practitioners. The school is supported effectively by a team of Pupil Support Workers, who assist pupils across the school. Admin and clerical support are currently provided by 1 Administrative Assistant and 1 Clerical Support Assistant. The school runs a very successful Breakfast Club. The school also benefits from a supportive and active Parent Council.
Distributed leadership is promoted across the whole staff. Staff demonstrates strong collegiality and teamwork which maintains and enhances a positive climate for learning across the school. Leadership of learning is also actively promoted within learners and pupil voice is central to the school’s UNCRC linked approaches and expectations.
More details about our school can be found on our website. Our school improvement priorities focus upon delivering “Excellence through raising attainment and achieving equity”. The school had a very positive Local Authority led Validated Self-Evaluation visit last session. The Education Quality Assurance Committee report from this visit can be viewed at: WLC - Coins Link - EQAC - WinchburghPS VSE - Jan25. The school continue to build on their school improvement journey and maintain ambitious plans for improvement work, more details of which are available on the school website.
Requirements
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council. A relevant teaching qualification, registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland and an enhanced PVG are essential.
It is anticipated that the Assessment Centre and Long Leet Professional Interviews will be held on Thursday 5th February 2026, with those called to the final Appointment Panel / Short Leet invited to attend on Monday 16th February.
Depute Head Teacher, Winchburgh Primary School, 500.31 - WEL09985 employer: West Lothian Council
Contact Detail:
West Lothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Depute Head Teacher, Winchburgh Primary School, 500.31 - WEL09985
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its community! Research Winchburgh Primary School, its values, and its recent achievements. This will help us tailor our conversation during the interview and show that we’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! We should prepare for common interview questions related to leadership, teamwork, and educational strategies. Mock interviews with friends or colleagues can help us feel more confident and articulate our thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for education! During the interview, let’s share specific examples of how we’ve positively impacted students’ learning experiences. This will demonstrate our commitment to raising attainment and achieving equity, which aligns with the school’s goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! We should prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s future plans and collaborative initiatives. This shows that we’re not just interested in the role but also in contributing to the school’s ongoing improvement journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Depute Head Teacher, Winchburgh Primary School, 500.31 - WEL09985
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Depute Head Teacher role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the values and goals of Winchburgh Primary School.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Depute Head Teacher, leadership is key! Use your written application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. We want to see your passion for fostering a positive learning environment.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our team culture at Winchburgh Primary School, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is received directly by us and allows you to access all the necessary information about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council
✨Know Your School
Before the interview, take some time to research Winchburgh Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values, recent achievements, and improvement priorities. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with the school's vision.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership
Given the emphasis on distributed leadership and teamwork, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative settings. Share specific examples of how you've worked with colleagues to enhance learning opportunities and foster a positive climate for students.
✨Highlight Inclusivity and Diversity
West Lothian Council is keen on employing a diverse workforce. Be ready to talk about your commitment to inclusivity and how you've supported under-represented groups in your previous roles. This could include initiatives you've led or participated in that promote equity in education.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to leadership challenges. Think about potential situations you might face as a Depute Head Teacher and how you would handle them, particularly in relation to raising attainment and achieving equity.