Headteacher

Job Introduction

Vacancy for the role of Headteacher, Dorchester St Birinus CE Primary School

• Interview Date(s): 20th May 2026
• Job Start Date:  01 September 2026
• Salary Type: Leadership Group 1 point L8-14
• Salary Details: The indicative pay range is set at LDR
• Hours of Work: Full-time
• Location of Role: School
• Contact e-mail address: cofg@st-birinus-pri.oxon.sch.uk  (Chair of Governors) or office.3186@st-birinus-pri.oxon.sch.uk

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.

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 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

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/

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.