What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of Willowdown Primary School?
Do you have the passion and expertise to inspire a thriving school community?
Join us as Headteacher at Willowdown Primary School!
At Futura Learning Partnership, we are dedicated to creating exceptional opportunities for all members of our community. We strive to build the brightest future for our young people by attracting and supporting inspirational leaders who share our commitment to excellence, inclusion, and professional growth.
Your Role in Shaping Willowdown Primary School
We are seeking a passionate and driven Headteacher to lead Willowdown Primary School into its next chapter of success. This role demands an individual with the vision, energy, and commitment to build upon the school’s existing strengths and values. As Headteacher, you will lead, motivate, and inspire a dedicated school community that is committed to nurturing a love of learning, inspiring core values, and equipping children with essential life skills.
As the leader of the school, you will model and promote positive attitudes and relationships among staff, children, and parents, reflecting the Trust’s vision and values. An outstanding practitioner with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in raising progress and attainment, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our school.
About Willowdown Primary School
Willowdown is located in the North of Bridgwater, serving a growing community on a new and expanding estate. The school, which includes a nursery for 2- and 3-year-olds, is on track to become a full two-form entry by September 2025. Despite facing challenges, including being part of three different trusts and currently being rated as Requires Improvement, we are confident that Willowdown will achieve a Good or better rating in its next inspection under the right leadership.
The school boasts a modern building, extensive grounds, and excellent facilities. Our unique ‘Willowdown Way’ and LEARN values underpin all aspects of school life, promoting a supportive and ambitious environment for both staff and children.
Parents frequently praise the school, particularly the Forest School provision, which is a standout feature. This programme encourages children to step out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and strive for their best.
What the school offers its staff
What We Offer
In return, Futura Learning Partnership offers you:
• Professional Growth: Continuous Professional Development (CPD), inset days, rotation and secondment opportunities, and leadership succession programmes.
• Wellbeing Support: Initiatives like ‘Wellbeing Moments,’ flexible working arrangements, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for mental health support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous defined pension schemes, Health Cash-back Plan (covering dentist, physiotherapy appointments etc.), and multiple retail discount schemes.
• Sustainability Commitment: Reducing our carbon footprint through our Climate and Nature initiatives across all schools.
• Inclusive Culture: A collaborative environment where diversity is celebrated, helping staff bring their best selves to work and thrive in their roles.
Visits Encouraged
Visits to the school are strongly encouraged and can be arranged through the school office. Our interim Headteacher, Matthew Cave, will be delighted to show you around and discuss the exciting opportunities at Willowdown Primary School.
Closing Date: 23:59 on 17th January 2025
Interview Date: 6th/7th February
Start: September 2025
PLEASE NOTE: Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement.
Futura Learning Partnership is Committed to Safeguarding: Futura Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Your suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. For this post, prior to appointment Futura Learning Partnership will apply for a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring check, a Children’s Barred list check, two satisfactory references, one of which must be from your existing/most recent employer and completed by a Headteacher/appropriate senior manager/HR Lead, satisfactory pre-employment health screening, online searches and for Teachers, a Prohibition Check in relation to the children’s workforce. In some settings a Declaration will be required in order to meet our obligations under the ‘Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006.
Equal Opportunities: At Futura Learning Partnership, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is treated fairly. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to supporting our staff to achieve their full potential.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.