Headteacher

Headteacher
To start 1st September 2026
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time

Salary: Headteacher Group 1, Leadership Pay Range , £58,569 - £67,898 (starting point by negotiation)

Temple Sowerby Church of England Primary School is a small, friendly rural school set in the heart of the Eden Valley. Rooted in Christian values and at the centre of its community, our school provides a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional teaching Headteacher (0.4) who will lead our school with vision, warmth and integrity.

About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to lead a small Church of England primary school where relationships, community and children’s wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. The successful candidate will work closely with staff, governors, parents, the church and the wider community to build on the school’s strengths and shape its future.

We Are Looking For a Headteacher Who Is:
•    Inspiring and motivating, with the ability to lead by example and bring out the best in staff and pupils
•    Flexible and adaptable, confident in leading a small school and responding creatively to its needs
•    Community-minded, committed to strengthening links with families, the local church and the wider Eden Valley
•    Child-centred, with children’s learning, wellbeing and development as their absolute priority
•    Committed to the Christian ethos of a Church of England school, inclusive and welcoming to all

We Offer:
•    A caring, supportive school community
•    Enthusiastic, well-behaved children who are proud of their school
•    A dedicated and committed staff team
•    Supportive governors and strong community links
•    The opportunity to make a genuine difference in a small rural setting

If you are an experienced and passionate leader who values relationships, community and the individuality of every child, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged on the following dates:
Monday 2nd March 2026 at 1.30pm
Wednesday 4th March 2026 at 4.00pm

Please contact Louise Thompson on 017683 61512  or clerk@temp-sow.cumbria.sch.uk to book.

Full details of the post and the relevant application form are available on the school’s website: https://www.temp-sow.cumbria.sch.uk
Go to ‘Our School’ and ‘Vacancies’.

All applicants must complete the Westmorland and Furness Schools and Education Application Form, along with a supporting letter (no longer than 2 sides of A4) and submit it to clerk@temp-sow.cumbria.sch.uk before 12pm on Thursday 12th March 2026.

Temple Sowerby C of E Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of its pupils and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks, which will include a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (to include a children’s barred list check), Right to Work in the UK and a work place health assessment. References will be sought and an online search carried out on applicants as part of our due diligence.

Closing Date: 12pm on Thursday 12th March 2026

Shortlisting: Wednesday 18th March 2026 

Formal Interviews:  Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th March 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.