Job Introduction

Interim Head Teacher

Full or Part time, 
 Start Date: January 2026  

Nurture: Bloom: Rejoice

Isiah 35: 1 -it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. 

Ducklington CE Primary School is a friendly village school with a strong sense of community. We are committed to nurturing every pupil’s personal, social, emotional and academic growth. We offer a welcoming school, with a dedicated leadership team, supportive governors, and committed staff who work together to create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment.  Children feel supported, valued and encouraged to bloom and achieve their best. We view each child as an individual; we aim to equip them with the skills and attributes to ensure that they flourish, fulfil their potential so we can we rejoice in the joy they bring to the world.

The governors are seeking to appoint an interim headteacher with the capacity and commitment to:

• Provide strong educational and compassionate leadership with strategic direction;
• Inspire, nurture, and lead our children as well as our staff in all aspects of school life;
• Ensure excellent outcomes for all pupils, including those with special educational needs;
• Listen, understand and lead a supportive, collaborative team and promote continuing professional development;
• Oversee school management including staffing, and resource allocation;
• Manage the budget effectively and with a strong consideration for the needs of our children;
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare;
• Actively support and develop the distinct Christian ethos of our school;
• Drive continual improvement in the focus areas agreed with governors, working with them to deliver the school’s vision;
• Ensure that our school continues to be seen as an integral part of the local community
• Continue our passion for creative arts within the school.

We are looking to appoint someone who:

• Is an experienced head teacher with proven success in Primary Education, ideally with a strong understanding of early years;
• Demonstrates strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills; 
• Is resilient, adaptable and able to lead the school through this period of change;
• Empowers the team to succeed by building trust with the staff;
• Will encourage and support CPD of staff;  
• Is inclusive, compassionate, and committed to the wellbeing of pupils and staff;
• Has a passion for achieving the very best outcomes for Children and is able to  demonstrate experience in improving pupil outcomes;
• Believes that getting it right for the most vulnerable children means we get it right for everyone;
• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and, ideally, NPQH (or working towards it).

The Details

• Start Date: 1st January 2026
• Close date: 24th October 2025 12pm
• Interviews to take place w/b 5th November. 

Application Process

Visits to the school are encouraged, please contact Rebecca Buckland, Chair of Governors at rbuckland@ducklington.oxon.sch.uk to arrange an appointment or for an informal chat.

Completed applications (application form and letter of application, 2 sides of A4 maximum) should be emailed to the School Business Manager at Lauren.woodley@ducklington.oxon.sch.uk  with the title Interim Head Teacher Recruitment in the subject line by 12 noon on Friday 24th October 2025.

 
 Safeguarding Statement

Ducklington Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All post holders will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and relevant employment checks in line with statutory requirements. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and amendments to the Exemptions order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Any job offer will be conditional on the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring service check and barred list check.