Headteacher

Job Introduction

The Governing Body at Padnell Infant School are seeking a new Headteacher to lead our fantastic school.

We are a highly inclusive school and we are dedicated to ensuring that every pupil can achieve the highest possible academic and personal progress. Our school prides itself on being at the heart of the community. We are a friendly, welcoming and caring school and strongly believe in supporting the whole family so that our children can thrive.

We have built a learning environment which provides our children with the skills, mindset and opportunities they need to achieve in all areas of learning. We want all our children to aim high and we ‘do what it takes’ so that there is equity for all children.

We have a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment including a forest school area. We use our children’s own ideas and interests to shape their learning and maximise engagement. Above all, we want our children to be confident, happy individuals who love to learn.

The successful candidate will be:-

• An inspirational leader who has the drive, empathy, and vision to lead Padnell Infant School on the next phase of our journey, leading by example with your child centred approach and exemplary vision and values

• Passionate about the development of the whole child and further cultivate an environment of high expectations and excellent learning opportunities to ensure that every child can and will achieve well

• Supportive and encouraging, developing our excellent staff and building on a team that strives for excellence in everything they do.

• Able to support and develop the wider Padnell family, ensuring strong working relationships with key stakeholders with a laser focus on the well-being of our team, children and families

In return, Padnell will offer the successful candidate:

• A strong educational ethos with children at the centre and dedicated, hardworking staff committed to a journey of improvement

• Inspired, engaged, and enthusiastic children who know no boundaries in terms of their progress and achievements and love to ‘GROW’ through meaningful and purposeful opportunities.

• A strong pro-active governing body and supportive parents with opportunities to work with other local schools, raising standards across the education community

Application Procedure

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 in support of your application, which should not exceed two sides of A4 paper. Please do not restate the factual details already included elsewhere on the application form.

 • When submitting your application, please use the following format as the email heading:

o School Name – Position – Your Name

• School visits are strongly encouraged. We are initially offering two dates for school visits:

o Friday 21 November 2025 – 1:30pm

o Tuesday 2 December 2025 – 9:30am

To arrange a visit, please e-mail N.Thundercliffe@padnell-inf.hants.sch.uk

More details on how to apply can be found in the headteacher information pack. Padnell Infant 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.