Head of School

Salary details: £ - £

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY USING THE DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL WEBSITE, PLEASE SEE DETAILS BELOW.

Start Date: 1st May 2026 

The Local Academy Committee of St. Giles Church of England Primary School are looking to appoint an inspirational, forward-thinking individual to cover the role Head of School (maternity leave cover) supporting the Executive Headteacher to lead our welcoming school. 

St Giles is an exciting and happy school. We have high academic standards, and a strong emphasis is placed on each individual child, within a Christian ethos of love and mutual respect. We encourage our children to make the most of the many opportunities we give them, so that they are highly motivated to learn and are prepared for the next stage of their lives. 

We are a proud member of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (www.ddat.org.uk) The school enjoys a positive relationship with a team of professionals providing effective support in school improvement and operations.

We are committed to ensuring that children's first years in formal education are happy, fulfilled and memorable. We aim to create a happy, secure and stimulating environment in which all children can fulfil their maximum potential. 

Are you already a serving Assistant Head, Deputy Head or Senior Teacher with the ability to lead a school that includes early years and eager for a new and stimulating challenge? You will be excited about operating in an environment where your ideas and enthusiasm can be directed to help develop St. Giles Church of England Primary School and a vibrant and growing Multi-Academy Trust. 

You are an enthusiastic and adaptable leader who: 

• Has regard and respect for the experiences, knowledge and cultural diversity that every child brings to school and use this as a foundation for improving standards;
• Values the achievements of all children and provides opportunities to develop self-confidence and a positive self-image;
• Provides a supportive culture in which all staff are encouraged to extend, develop and share their expertise;
• Offers all children equal access to the curriculum and all aspects of school life; where individual differences are appreciated, celebrated, understood and accepted;
• Encourages children to become good citizens holding British values, by developing caring attitudes, tolerance and respect towards themselves, other children, adults, their school and their community. 

In return we can offer you:

Happy children who are eager to learn;

• Dedicated, hardworking and committed teaching and support staff;
• A commitment to continued professional development;
• A supportive Academy Trust and active Local Governing Body;
• A happy learning environment with the chance to apply your ideas and skills to a school that is thriving and ready for you to take charge. 

Applications should be made using the DDAT application forms only and submitted to mloader@stgilesprimary.org.uk by the closing date. 

For further information or to arrange an informal discussion please email info@stgilesprimary.org.uk

Interview dates: 26^th February 2026 

DDAT welcomes a diverse population of both children and staff and is committed to promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions. 

DDAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, completion of a probationary period, pre-employment and Disclosure Barring Service checks. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Please be aware that Derbyshire County Council is placing this advert on behalf of this organisation and you should refer directly to its website for details of the terms and conditions attached to this post. Any queries regarding this advert or the recruitment process should be made directly to the organisation.