Interim Headteacher

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking to appoint an exceptional interim school leader at Dorchester St Birinus. This person will be a visible, compassionate and strategic leader who champions excellence in teaching and learning and embodies the school’s Christian values. They will have the determination, energy and passion to build on excellent foundations for further success while we continue the search for a gifted permanent Headteacher.

The successful candidate will have experience of leading primary school provision. They will have a good understanding of the privileges and particular challenges of leading a small village school. They will be a skilled leader of staff, a role model for engaging with the children in their care and an accomplished communicator. They will have a strong understanding of children’s learning and a commitment to an evolving curriculum which enables all children to make good progress. They will work effectively with staff, parents, governors and the wider community in developing our provision and they will understand the importance of increasing our roll.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a leader who is

• Experienced in primary school leadership- committed to leading on professional development.
• 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

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

Further details about the role

About St Birinus CE Primary School St Birinus is a small, friendly and inclusive Church of England primary school at the heart of Dorchester‑on‑Thames in Oxfordshire. We are a Voluntary Controlled Local Authority school.

We pride ourselves on

• A caring, family centred ethos where relationships matter
• A broad, ambitious curriculum that nurtures compassion, knowledge and diversity.
• A strong Christian character expressed through daily practice, collective worship and our partnership with Dorchester Abbey
• A commitment to inclusion and the belief that every child can thrive
• A dedicated staff team who goes above and beyond for pupils and families

We benefit from strong professional networks, leadership support and opportunities for collaboration, while retaining our distinctive village school identity.

Start date

1 September 2026 (initially for one term)

Closing date

12th June 2026

The Governing Body reserves the right to close this recruitment process earlier than earlier if a suitable candidate has been found.

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.

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the 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.