Head of School; Maternity Cover

This role is ideally suited to an experienced senior leader seeking the opportunity to make a tangible impact within a whole-school leadership position. The successful candidate will lead a committed staff team, shape school development, and further develop their leadership skills, all while being supported by the strategic oversight of the Trust's central team. The Trust is committed to providing high-quality professional development, encouragement, and appropriate challenge to support the successful candidate throughout the maternity cover period.

The successful candidate will:

• be responsible for the effective day‑to‑day leadership of Beckbury School
• provide leadership and management of the curriculum and of teaching and learning across the School which enables the School to give every pupil high quality education which promotes the highest possible standards of achievement
• provide an outstanding model of classroom practice
• ensure that the school is an integral part of the local community, and take account of, and respond to, feedback from pupils, parents and the wider community
• teach a class for 2 days each week – this will be the Year 4/5/6 class during the remainder of the academic year 2025‑26
• work in close collaboration with other senior leaders and executive leaders across the Trust (the role will involve some travelling to other schools within the Trust)

Shropshire Church of England Academies Trust invites applications for the position of Head of School (Maternity Cover) at Beckbury Church of England Primary School. This is an exciting opportunity to provide leadership to a committed staff team and guide the next phase of the school's development from April 2026, while the current Head of School is on maternity leave. Beckbury CE Primary School is a small, rural primary school which is part of Shropshire Church of England Academies Trust, a thriving trust formed of eight Church of England primary schools.

There are 51 pupils on roll at the school. Beckbury School was judged 'Good' in its last Ofsted inspection, noted for its strong curriculum, well‑developed maths and reading skills, effective SEND support, good pupil behaviour, and positive parent feedback. The school prides itself on an enthusiastic student body and a dedicated and hardworking team of teachers and support staff. A strong and highly effective local governing body, an effective executive leadership team, high standards of achievement and attainment, and a commitment to continuous professional development through collaborative working and evidence‑based approaches.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all those working at the Trust or within its schools to share this commitment. The Trust is required under law and guidance to check the criminal background of all employees. Decisions to appoint will be subject to consideration of an Enhanced Disclosure, including a Barred List check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020). The successful applicant will be required to complete a confidential medical questionnaire. The Trust may carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

This may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, which we may wish to explore with you at interview.