HEADTEACHER WODENSFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL "Aim to Be the Best You Can" Salary: Group 3 L16 to L22 Location: Wodensfield Primary School, Woden Avenue, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent Closing Date: 20th March 2025 Interviews: 3rd and 4th April 2025 Visits to School: 6th March (all day) and 17th March (pm) – flexibility available if unavoidable An Opportunity to Lead a School with a Strong Identity and a Clear Sense of Purpose Wodensfield Primary School is a place where children are encouraged to grow, learn, and aim high, supported by staff who care deeply about their success and well-being. We have built something special here, shaped by shared values and a belief that every child should feel safe, respected, and inspired to achieve their best. As we look ahead, we are seeking a new Headteacher who can build on these foundations and take the school forward with confidence. This is an opportunity for a leader who understands what makes Wodensfield work so well, values the way we do things, and brings the insight and leadership to refine and strengthen our approach. We want someone who will bring energy and ambition, but also the wisdom to know that meaningful progress comes from working with people, not around them. Someone who listens, reflects, and works alongside staff to make thoughtful, well-judged decisions that allow the school to keep moving forward while staying true to its ethos. About the Role Our next Headteacher at Wodensfield will join a school with a clear vision, a well-established way of working, and a strong sense of purpose. The strategy set by governors provides a firm foundation, and we are looking for a leader who will bring this to life with energy and thoughtful leadership. This is an opportunity to refine our focus, build on what works well, and guide the school forward with clarity, warmth, and a commitment to collaboration. At Wodensfield, leadership is about bringing people together, valuing the contributions of staff, pupils, and families, and creating a culture where staff feel supported, heard, and able to do their best work. There is a well-established culture of collaboration among staff, with a commitment to professional growth and a genuine desire to provide the best for our pupils. We believe in a school where adults, as well as children, are encouraged to learn and develop, and where coaching, support, and open conversation are part of everyday life. We have made real progress in key areas, including phonics and early reading, curriculum development, and inclusive provision for children with additional needs. The challenge now is to deepen our strengths, sustain our momentum, and ensure that every aspect of school life reflects our high aspirations. At the same time, we are mindful that there is always room to develop further. Recent feedback, including from Ofsted, has highlighted areas where we can refine our practice to ensure consistency, particularly in supporting all children to achieve their full potential. We see this as an opportunity for a Headteacher who can take a measured approach, recognising what already works well while helping to shape the next steps in our development. We take an approach to behaviour that is rooted in relationships and mutual respect. Restorative practice, trauma-informed thinking, and an understanding of the whole child are important to the way we work. We want to continue developing these approaches, ensuring they remain at the heart of how we support children to feel safe, heard, and ready to learn. The next Headteacher of Wodensfield will play a key role in shaping priorities and leading the school with a balance of clarity and empathy. The role is about bringing people together, strengthening what is already working, and ensuring that everyone in the school community feels valued and involved. What We Are Looking For We are seeking someone who: Understands what makes Wodensfield a special place and sees the value in what is already working well. Leads through relationships, encouraging collaboration and fostering a culture of trust and professional dialogue. Is reflective and open, recognising that the best ideas often come through conversation and shared thinking. Brings high expectations and ambition for the school but knows that meaningful change happens when people feel part of the process. Is committed to an inclusive approach that ensures every child, whatever their background or needs, has the opportunity to succeed. Has a deep understanding of teaching and learning across all key stages and remains engaged in classroom practice and pedagogy. Understands the complexities of SEND in a mainstream setting and ensures that provision supports all children without compromising the learning experience for others. Has the ability to balance strategic leadership with a hands-on presence, getting to know children, families, and staff and being part of the day-to-day life of the school. What We Offer A school with a strong and well-established culture, where people enjoy working and learning together. A dedicated and passionate staff team who are committed to providing the best for every child. A governing body who value partnership and professional trust, offering both challenge and support. A community that welcomes a leader who listens, reflects, and values the voices of those around them. The opportunity to shape the next phase of a school that is already in a strong position, while helping to refine and develop key areas identified for improvement. How to Apply We warmly invite prospective applicants to visit the school and experience our ethos first-hand. Visits are available on 6th March (all day) and 17th March (pm), with some flexibility if unavoidable. To arrange a visit, please contact our School Business Manager at l.griffithswodensfield.org To apply, please submit a completed application form, along with a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role, to l.griffithswodensfield.org Closing date for applications: 20th March 2025 Shortlisting: 25th April 2025 Interviews: 3rd and 4th April 2025 We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school follows safer recruitment practices and, if your application is shortlisted, you will be asked to complete a criminal records declaration form which should be submitted before your interview. As part of due diligence and, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, an online search will also be carried out on all short-listed candidates. The successful applicant will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 which means that, when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’. They do not need to be disclosed to employers and, if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974 Attached documents 2025 Headteacher Person Specification.pdf 2025 Headteacher Job Description.pdf Teaching Application - Leadership.docx Wodensfield Primary School.pdf