Headteacher Vacancy


Company:	Teaching Vacancies
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Surbiton, KT6 5JB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	12 Nov 2026
Closing date:	26 Nov 2026

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Summary

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Long Ditton Federation Governing Body invite applications from experienced headteachers.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a Headteacher;

• Has a proven track record of excellence in primary education and is confident in their own abilities;

• Possesses exceptional leadership skills;

• Understands the distinctive Christian nature and associated structures of Church schools;

• Is ambitious for both schools, the staff who work there and the children who attend them;

• Understands the needs of, and is enthusiastic about, primary education and the importance of Early Years;

• Can demonstrate continuous improvement and excellent leadership;

• Can demonstrate a proven track record of school development;

• Will engage and motivate our children;

• Is committed to staff development and wellbeing and will support and inspire our staff to provide the best possible education for our children;

• Establishes and maintains highly effective professional relationships with staff, parents, governors, the Diocese of Guildford, our local authority and headteachers of the Ember Learning Trust to consolidate good practice;

• Ensures that our schools welcome all in our local community and are wholly inclusive;

• Leads by example.

What the school offers its staff

In return we can offer you:

• The challenge of building upon the excellent reputation and results of our schools;

• Support through the Diocese of Guildford, the Local Authority and the Ember Learning Trust;

• A caring and supportive environment with dedicated, experienced staff and high performing teachers;

• A knowledgerable governing body who support and challenge the school;

• Enthusiastic, well behaved children who enjoy learning;

• An extremely suppportive community and parents;

• Two financially sustainable schools with secure foundations for continued development and success;

• Well maintained schools with excellent outdoor space and opportunities for forest school, with an impressive outdoor classroom at Long Ditton St. Mary’s;

• Opportunity to further develop your leadership and support for your own professional development.

Further details about the role

Long Ditton Infant and Nursery School and Long Ditton St. Mary’s Church of England (Aided) Junior School are located a short walk from each other in the village of Long Ditton, near Surbiton. The schools federated in 2024 after a period of working in partnership together. We are looking to recruit a dynamic and inspiring headteacher to lead both these maintained schools, continuing the delivery of an excellent education for our children whilst promoting high standards and high expectations in all areas of school life.

Long Ditton Infant and Nursery School is a foundation school, and Long Ditton St. Mary’s is a voluntary aided Church of England Junior School. Both schools are proud of their distinctive ethos and foundation and work together in federation under a shared headteacher and senior leadership team. Long Ditton Infant and Nursery School is a member school of a cooperative learning trust, the Ember Learning Trust, of which Long Ditton St Mary’s is also a partner. The Ofsted reports for both schools are very favourable with Long Ditton Infant and Nursery School being rated as Good with Outstanding Early Years, Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development with Long Ditton St. Mary’s being Ofsted rated Outstanding across the board.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven school leader to lead our schools and community through the coming years. The Long Ditton Federation has a positive and fully inclusive ethos. We are a strong community with a culture of high expectations of both academic achievement and personal and social development. We offer a curriculum that is exciting, vibrant and aspirational.

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.

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