Senior Assistant Headteacher - Priory Primary School

Senior Assistant Head Teacher Post -

Head of Lower School: to include an area of whole school responsibility commensurate with the post (e.g. Attendance, Behaviour, Assessment); a teaching commitment in KS1 and DDSL responsibility

Start date:

May 2026
Salary: L9 – L13 - (£63,070 - £69,596)

Location:

The Priory Primary School
Contract type:
Full Time
Contract term:
Permanent

To ensure we have an agile leadership structure that meets the needs of pupils from a challenging contextual background – that keeps pace with a rapidly changing educational landscape – we are seeking a highly skilled, multi-faceted individual with extensive experience as a senior leader, ideally someone who has held an Assistant Head Teacher post who is seeking leadership development in a busy two-form entry school.

The Governors and I are looking for a candidate who is highly motivated, resilient and resolute in the face of adversity; alongside someone with strong emotional intelligence, professional warmth and a relentlessly solution-focused mind‑set.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a clear understanding of the evolving demands of school leadership in the 21st Century, particularly in the context of Sandwell and The Priory. If you have the required experience (as per the person specification) and the ability to respond instinctively and strategically to the increasingly varied needs of our school family; are passionately committed to developing the whole child;

and can earn the respect of colleagues to influence sustainable change then this is a position for you.

The postholder will have a 0.5 teaching commitment, enabling sufficient time to lead key priorities, whilst playing a pivotal role within the senior leadership team.

Please be advised that the teaching versus leadership balance of the role may change in the future (either way), to meet need and/or respond to budgetary pressures.

It is important that prospective candidates reflect carefully on whether they have the resilience, time and dedication required to undertake this key strategic post in an incredibly busy, ambitious but highly supportive school.

• A thriving, supportive school:
  We take pride in a strong team culture, high expectations and a genuinely collaborative way of working.
• Recognised success:
  We have achieved a range of awards celebrating our commitment to high‑quality curriculum provision for our pupils. Ofsted rated us ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ for behaviour and personal development.
• Excellent career development:
  We actively invest in our people, providing meaningful professional development and leadership opportunities to grow your impact.
• Work‑life balance matters:
  We support teachers by reducing workload wherever possible. This includes an extra day off every term to focus on wellbeing and a PPA day every fortnight where staff can work from home.
• A strong pastoral and inclusion team: A high number of support staff so that class teachers can focus their time on planning excellent teaching and learning opportunities.
• Fantastic pupils:
  Our children are well‑behaved, motivated and eager to learn – they are a pleasure to teach!
• Outstanding environment:
  Well‑resourced classrooms, equipped with excellent teaching and learning resources to help you bring lessons to life.

• Resilient and genuinely passionate about making a difference who will act with integrity at all times.
• Results driven, with a proven track record of impact as a senior leader.
• Able to demonstrate and model high‑quality teaching consistently and lead by example.
• Highly knowledgeable about EYFS/KS1.
• Credibility to hold others to account through evaluating provision and analysing data.
• Able to work on their own initiative, take considered risks and manage pressure effectively.
• Flexible: able to lead on any aspect of whole school leadership as needs and circumstances change.

Please submit a letter of application of no more than 2 sides of A4, clearly identifying how you meet the requirements, alongside the Sandwell application form. Furthermore, outline and evidence why you feel you are particularly suited to this post.

Our school is…