Headteacher

Job Introduction

The governors of Wood Farm Primary and the Slade Nursery Schools are looking for an ambitious, creative and dedicated professional to join us as Headteacher of the nursery school. The Slade Nursery School is a highly successful and vibrant early years setting, serving the diverse Headington community in Wood Farm, Oxford.  Federated with the adjoining primary school, and located in beautiful modern accommodation, this is a unique and exciting opportunity for an aspiring leader to take their first step into headship within a supportive and collaborative environment. Our new headteacher will join a staff team committed to giving every one of our children a world-class early education – whatever their background and starting points – and will benefit from the support and mentoring of an exceptional Executive Headteacher, making this an ideal opportunity for someone stepping into headship for the first time

We want a Headteacher who will:  

• Be an excellent teacher, with strengths in working with children across the full early years age range, and who is able to lead and inspire our children and staff
• Be an ambitious leader, who will continue to develop our outstanding school on the next stage of its journey
• Bring experience of working and thriving in a similar diverse community
• Have a strong, clear vision of the importance of high-quality nursery education
• Be dedicated to the progress and well-being of all children 

In return we can offer:

• The exciting opportunity to lead a vibrant, friendly and effective school committed to continuing to grow and to make a lasting difference to children and families
• A well-resourced and stimulating learning environment
• A dedicated and hard-working staff team
• Coaching and mentoring from an experienced executive head
• Support from a wider team of highly experienced senior leaders
• A beautiful working environment, in an easily accessible location with excellent transport links
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression

Additional Application Information

Visits are encouraged, by prior arrangement. Please contact Lynn Wyatt, Nursery School Administrator, by phone (01865 750670) or email (office.1011@slade-nurs.oxon.sch.uk) to arrange a visit or if you would like to arrange an informal conversation about this post.

 A recruitment pack giving further information, including a job description and person specification can be downloaded from our website at: https://www.sladenurseryschool-headington.org.uk/Vacancies/

To apply, please complete an Oxfordshire County Council application form. Completed application forms must be emailed to sbm.2589@wood-farm.oxon.sch.uk by noon on 15th April 2026.

Shortlisting will take place on April 17th and successful candidates will be informed by the following day. Interviews will take place on 23rd or 24th March.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.