Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST) is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of  Headteacher at Ermington Primary School.  Part of the headteacher responsibilities will include leadership of SEND or some classroom teaching. This will be negotiated through a discussion with successful candidate depending on their experience and preference.

This position is open to internal applicants only on a secondment basis from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025. We welcome applications from those who are in a leadership role and/or with experience of leading SEND.

WeST is a tight-knit family of schools based around natural geographical proximity in the south west. Initially formed as a small multi-academy trust of only two schools in 2011, the Trust as we know it today was launched in 2017 and now comprises 26 schools, of which 7 are secondary and 19 primary. We are ambitious and hold high expectations for the children in our care. We strive consistently to perform in the top 20% nationally.

WeST holds a firm belief in giving each child every opportunity to learn and succeed in all that they do. Whilst we are a family of schools who share common values and beliefs, all our schools are unique and hold their own identity. We believe that by working collectively, sharing what works well and jointly developing best practice, we are stronger together and can provide the very best education for our children in our geographical area.

The Headteacher will have overall responsibility for the organisation, management and conduct of the school, providing leadership and assisting with the delivery of the WeST strategic direction to ensure the achievement of the highest possible standards of education. The role will require collaboration within and beyond Westcountry Schools Trust and a close working relationship with the Director of Education. The Headteacher will be accountable through our governance structure and to the Director of Education on behalf of Westcountry Schools Trust.

Ermington Primary School is in a semi-rural location, whilst drawing from all social and economic groups. We have several service children and are a highly established school for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller children. We work collaboratively to provide an excellent education for the children in our local area, preserving the best traditions of a village primary school while taking advantage of new opportunities together. We believe school should be a safe, academically challenging, supportive, and fun place for children, working with parents and carers to give them the best start in their educational and personal journeys.

Having a broad curriculum, one that challenges and supports learning and knowledge acquisition, is crucial to giving everyone an opportunity to shine . We are proud of the residential and out of classroom opportunities that we provide our children and the commitment that our staff take to provide them, whilst recognising that we can’t and shouldn’t rest on our laurels.

We would encourage visits to the school in support of research that will be facilitated by our Director of Education, who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. If you wish to discover more about this exciting opportunity, need any further information or you wish to have an informal discussion, please contact Carol Williams, Executive Assistant (School Improvement) as follows: cwilliams@westst.org.uk 01752 891754, Ext 3904

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Further details about the Trust can be found on our website (www.westst.org.uk) . 

At WeST we are committed equality, diversity and inclusion, starting with ensuring that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible for all.

 Candidates are able to access support on the phone or via live chat when completing the online form in My New Term.  We recognise however that this option will not be suitable for everyone and so upon request we can provide job information and application forms in alternative formats to ensure equal opportunities.  For more information on these options, please contact HR@westst.org.uk

Applications should be submitted by 12pm on Tuesday 16 April 2024.

The assessment process will take place week commencing 22 April 2024.