Job Introduction
Job Start Date: 1st September 2026
Contract/Hours: Permanent, Part- time (0.6 – days to be agreed)
Salary: Leadership Range L4 – L8 (£55,747 to £61,534 FTE)
Closing Date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 09:00
Interview Date: Monday 27th April 2026
Padnell Infant School is seeking an inspirational and dedicated Assistant Headteacher to join its warm, community‑centred team from September 2026. As a large three‑form entry infant school in Cowplain, just outside Waterlooville, the school is well‑known for nurturing its core values, encouraging children to become Giving Citizens, Resilient Learners, Original Thinkers and Wise Workers and for its enriching Forest School provision in Joey’s Field. The school offers a supportive environment with a well‑established curriculum, strong reputation and “Good” Ofsted rating. Above all at Padnell Infants we want to foster confident, happy children with both strong academic outcomes and a love of learning.
The successful candidate will predominantly be non-class based, offering the opportunity to work closely with the newly appointed Headteacher to deliver the school’s vision and values, shape a clear and progressive strategic direction and maximise the consistency and impact of a high‑quality, engaging curriculum. They will play a central role in the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to whole‑school improvement by developing strong relationships with staff, governors, parents and—most importantly—the children. They will lead, monitor and evaluate school improvement priorities, manage change effectively, and analyse school data to identify strengths and areas for growth, using this insight to drive pupil outcomes.
A significant part of the role involves championing high‑quality teaching and learning across EYFS and KS1. The Assistant Headteacher will model exemplary practice, support professional development, and provide coaching and mentoring to build staff confidence and expertise. They will also evaluate the impact of teaching through observations, learning walks, work sampling and data analysis, with a particular focus on the progress of vulnerable groups.
The role will also include key safeguarding responsibilities, serving as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure the welfare, safety and protection of all pupils. The Assistant Headteacher will help maintain a calm, respectful learning environment by promoting clear systems and consistent expectations that support every child to thrive. Training for the DDSL role can be provided for the successful candidate.
The school is looking for a reflective, proactive and a solution‑focused leader who is committed to continuous improvement and firmly believes that every child can thrive enabling them to champion a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement across the school.
Please see the attached information pack for more details on our school and the role, including Job Description and the Person Specification.
Application Procedure
Applicants should send their completed application form (see attached file), to arrive no later than 9am on Thursday 16th April 2026 to Nikki Thundercliffe, Office Manager.
Padnell Infant School, Padnell Avenue. Waterlooville. PO8 8DS or via email to n.thundercliffe@padnell-inf.hants.sch.uk
Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. Please contact Nikki Thundercliffe (n.thundercliffe@padnell-inf.hants.sch.uk, telephone 023 92 26 3784) to book onto one of the following tours:
19th March 2026 at 9.15am
23rd March 2026 at 1.30pm
24th March 2026 at 4.30pm
14th April 2026 at 9.15am
14th April 2026 at 4pm
Interviews will take place on 27th April 2026.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
