Middle Barton School is a small, vibrant primary school nestled in the rural heart of West Oxfordshire. With around 100 pupils in 4 mixed-age classes, the school is defined by its close-knit, small team feel, where every staff member and student is known by name, and everyone is an essential part of a pupil-focused community. 

Our Vision: ‘Together we Grow’ At Middle Barton, our vision is more than just words on a wall; it is a lived experience rooted in our school value of Respect. We believe in giving every single child the chance to grow, regardless of their starting point. In our classes, we celebrate the unique contributions of every individual, ensuring a culture of mutual respect allows everyone to reach their potential.

The Great Outdoors & Sustainability  Outdoor learning sits at the heart of our curriculum. As a Green Flag Eco School with Distinction and winner of Sustainable Primary School of the Year (2024 & 2025) we are committed to the world around us. 'Pupils told inspectors how much they enjoy the practical elements of learning as this brings the curriculum alive for them. They especially enjoy learning in the outdoor classroom' Ofsted, 2022.  Our curriculum isn’t confined to four walls, we utilise our extensive grounds and forest school area to bring learning to life. As a result our children are confident, articulate and curious. To join our team a pair of wellies and waterproofs are essential requirements for your working wardrobe!

A True Community The school prides itself on its warm and inclusive approach to both children and staff. Our children are confident, articulate and curious and enjoy coming to school. Across the school, relationships between staff and pupils are positive and nurturing. Pupils are overwhelmingly proud of their school, during an Ofsted inspection one pupil quoted 'this is the best school in the world' Ofsted, Nov 2022. We believe that for children to flourish, the adults around them must flourish too. Being part of Middle Barton School means joining a supportive environment that values the "whole person". Leadership here is about nurturing a culture and genuine care. Teamwork and a sense of humour are central to everything we do. Staff are supportive and genuinely care about each other - you will be offered lots of tea (Yorkshire!) and sweet treats! (Class Teacher)

The Role: As our new Assistant Headteacher, you will drive our vision: ‘Together we Grow.’ You will model respect in every interaction and lead a curriculum that prioritises sustainability, teaching the next generation to respect their environment as much as they do each other.  Applications with experience of teaching all primary age groups will be considered.

What you'll bring: Respectful Leadership: You lead with kindness and high expectations, understanding that relationships are the foundation of success in a small school. Curriculum Creativity: A passion for outdoor learning and the ability to embed sustainability across all subjects you teach and lead. A "Team First" Mentality: a readiness to support colleagues and value the diverse strengths of our small team

The River Learning Trust (RLT) — Why work with us? You will benefit from being part of the River Learning Trust with the  wider support and learning network across the county of Oxfordshire. Our vision is for our schools to improve rapidly, continuously, and sustainably: to be better faster together.

River Learning Trust's commitment is underpinned by three core principles:

• Commitment to Excellence: Striving for the best educational experience through continuous improvement.

• Everyone Learning: Creating and taking opportunities that enhance lives through evidence-based practice supporting adult and pupil learning.

• Respectful Relationships: Acting with care, integrity, and fairness in all we do.

Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.

OUR VISION is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together. OUR ‘WHY?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils. OUR ‘HOW?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles.

Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive  continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.

This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. 

We strongly encourage potential candidates to visit our school.  To arrange a visit or to request a confidential conversation about the role with our Headteacher, please contact our School Business Manager, Vicky Walker at vwalker@middlebartonschool.org or telephone 01869 340522.

The River Learning Trust and Middle Barton Primary School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism.   The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.  Please see our website for up to date policies including our Child Protection and Behaviour Policies. 

The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance.