Head of Schools (The Oaktree Federation Firle and Laughton School)

Job introduction

About the role

HEAD OF SCHOOLS

Required September 2025               
Salary range: L1 £50,025 - L6 £56,592

Are you a passionate and dedicated leader? Do you celebrate diversity and inclusivity?

We are seeking an inspirational Head of Schools to help our drive for excellence in teaching, learning, and pastoral care at both Laughton CP and Firle CEP schools. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the schools, continuing the collaborative working that is firmly embedded in the Oak Tree Federation.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across 2 small rural primary schools, inspiring them to thrive and for you to take a leading role in our strategic journey.

 The successful candidate will:

• Be an excellent teacher with a strong knowledge of the primary curriculum
• Assist the Executive Headteacher in leading the schools with part of the week spent in each school. Leading on key strategic areas of our schools improvement
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Christian ethos at Firle CEP
• Have excellent communication skills with a confident manner
• Have good IT skills and the ability to use various educational software packages, and social media platforms. 
• Have excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and with attention to detail
• Celebrate diversity and inclusion within our communities
• Assist with the management of teaching staff and support teams,modelling the highest of expectations with a drive for excellence
• Lead on the creation and modification of policies, communicating these effectively to all relevant stakeholders
• Engage in whole school training and development
• Committed to safeguarding within our communities and contribute to a safe and welcoming learning environment for all pupils
• Have a good sense of humour and be adaptable with change

In return, we can offer:

• 2 happy school communities that are committed to providing the best for the pupils within our care. 
• Continuing professional development and opportunities to work on external projects 
• A community where inclusivity is at the heart of all we do
• A full induction process

 We encourage informal visits. For further information, an application pack and/or an informal chat or to arrange an informal visit please make direct contact Mrs Rachel West, Executive Headteacher, 01323 811306 head@oaktreefederation.co.uk  

Closing date for applications to be received into the Laughton School Office laughtonoffice@oaktreefederation.co.uk 

By 3p.m  on 19th May 2025

Shortlisting: 20th May 2025

Interviews will take place: 23rd May 2025

 As is school policy the position will be subject to satisfactory references and a clear DBS

Working pattern: Full-time
Please note, we do not accept CVs.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.  

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision.  Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.  

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.  

Additional information

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

Data provided as part of a job application will be processed in line with the privacy notice for job applicants.

DBS

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure and Barring Services. For further information about what is required in this process please go to gov.uk disclosure and barring service . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children.  All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

Work Permits

We may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Border Agency’s Points-based Immigration System. Due to the restrictions we cannot guarantee that individuals that meet the requirements of the Points-based Immigration System will be issued with clearance to obtain work permits. 

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role.

Reasonable adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

Reasonable adjustments include things like an offline application form. If you would like to discuss your requirements further, please get in touch.

Equal Opportunities

East Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit.