Headteacher

Job Introduction

Inspire. Lead. 

Castle Primary School is seeking an exceptional, compassionate, and forward thinking Headteacher who will lead our school into its next exciting chapter.

We are a proud community school with a strong inclusive ethos, a dedicated staff team, and children who are curious, caring, and full of potential. With an increasing number of pupils with SEND and a community rich in diversity, we are looking for a leader who sees this as a strength and is ready to champion the needs of every child.

About Our School

Castle Primary is a warm, vibrant and ambitious school at the heart of its community. We offer:

• A committed and caring staff team who believe deeply in giving children their very best start.
• A culture that values inclusion, wellbeing, and high expectations for all pupils.
• A supportive Governing Body deeply invested in the success of the school.
• Strong partnerships with families, local agencies, and neighbouring schools.
• A commitment to continuously improving our curriculum, pastoral offer, and wider opportunities for all children.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Headteacher who is:

• A visible, child centred leader who inspires trust, warmth, and confidence.
• Experienced in leading high-quality teaching and learning, with a commitment to inclusive practice and strong outcomes for all pupils.
• Highly knowledgeable in SEND leadership, with the ability to strengthen systems, support staff, and work collaboratively with families and external professionals.
• Strategic and financially astute, able to navigate budget pressures while protecting the quality of education.
• Vision driven, with the ability to build on what’s working well and lead the school confidently into its next phase.
• Passionate about community engagement, valuing the voices of pupils, parents and staff.
• Able to model and develop a positive, resilient, and supportive school culture where staff and pupils can thrive.

Our Offer to You

As our Headteacher, you will be joining a school community that is enthusiastic, supportive and ready to continue its journey of improvement. We can offer:

• A committed and experienced staff team.
• Strong SEND leadership support and external partnership links.
• A Governing Body who will challenge, support and champion you.
• A school community that values inclusion, kindness, ambition and collaboration.
• Opportunities for professional development and partnership working with other local schools and leaders.

Visits Encouraged

We warmly encourage visits so you can experience the spirit of Castle Primary for yourself. To arrange a visit, please contact the office on: 023 9237 5324.

Application Procedure

Please find attached the Headteacher information pack and application form.

To apply, download the attached application form by clicking the on the application form, then complete and save it. Once ready, click 'Apply' button to upload your completed application form.

You should provide a full statement outlining how your experience, leadership style, and values make you the right fit for Castle Primary School.

Selection and Interview Procedure

The shortlist will be drawn up on the 23rd of March 2026, and the interview process will take place 16th and 17th April 2026. Further details will be sent to those candidates called for interview.

Applicants will be advised after the shortlisting date whether they have been successful.

Equality Monitoring

All applications will be required to complete an Equality Monitoring form.

Safer Recruitment

Castle Primary School and Hampshire County Council 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.