Headteacher

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Role

The Headteacher will be a visible, compassionate and strategic leader who champions excellence in teaching and learning and embodies the school’s Christian values.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading, supporting and developing a committed and caring staff team
• Ensuring the delivery of a high quality, inclusive and ambitious curriculum
• Creating a culture where all children feel safe, motivated and able to flourish
• Strengthening partnerships with parents, Dorchester Abbey and the wider community
• Upholding and promoting the school’s Christian ethos in daily practice
• Please note there will be a teaching commitment.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a leader who is

• Inspirational and resilient – able to motivate staff, pupils and families through both successes and challenges
• Values‑driven – modelling the Christian principles that underpin our school
• Ambitious for every child – committed to inclusion and high expectations for all
• Experienced in primary school leadership- committed to leading on professional development.

This is a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a cherished village school.

What the school offers its staff

What We Offer

• A welcoming, nurturing and purpose driven school community
• A dedicated staff team who cares deeply about children’s outcomes
• Strong support from the school’s Governing Board and wider community.
• Close partnership with Dorchester Abbey
• Engaged families who value the school’s ethos and vision
• The opportunity to lead a school with a strong identity and deep community roots
• Opportunities for professional development

Further details about the role

Closing date

midday Monday 18th May 2026

Interviews

Candidate interviews will be held on Wednesday 20th of May 2026

Alternative dates may be available depending on staff availability.

Start date

1 September 2026

School Visits

We strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit St Birinus.

To book a visit, please contact the school office: office@st-birinus-pri.oxon.sch.uk

Tel

01865 340081

Please see our school website www.st-birinus-pri.oxon.sch.uk

Application Requirements

Applications should include a personal statement addressing the person specification, with particular emphasis on

• Leadership of teaching and learning
• High expectations for all pupils
• Commitment to the Christian ethos of the school

Applications should be made using the Oxfordshire County Council application form

https://oxfordshire.education-jobs.org.uk/

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.