Headteacher
| Posting date: | 14 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 16 March 2026 |
| Location: | Godalming, Surrey, GU8 6DH |
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | dd22acf6-f5ae-4e38-8a43-7c3a27e97a5b |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
Due to the well-earned retirement of our current Headteacher, we are looking for a driven and passionate leader to join our forward thinking and ambitious school, and the successful candidate will share our commitment, ambition and belief in the unique value and potential of every child.
This is a wonderful opportunity to lead a school with a distinctive family atmosphere, a diverse community and an exciting future ahead.
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Bring proven leadership experience with a track record of successful school improvement.
- Be passionate about inclusion, pupil well-being and academic excellence.
- Be collaborative, empathetic and forward-thinking, with resilience and a sense of humour.
- Share our Christian vision and communicate it with clarity, warmth and authenticity.
- Be visible, approachable and wholeheartedly involved in daily school life.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and Inspire: Lead and deliver our strategic vision while upholding our Christian values.
Champion the holistic development of every child: ensure every young person receives high-quality education, personalised support, continuing to nurture a culture where children feel known, valued and celebrated.
Develop Staff Excellence: Inspire, support and empower our committed staff team.
Engage the Community: Foster strong relationships with parents, governors and the wider community.
Ensure Compliance and Accountability: Oversee safeguarding, SEND, health and safety, and statutory responsibilities, representing the school with integrity and maintaining the highest standards of governance
What the school offers its staff
We Offer:
- A beautiful rural setting with a strong and proud village identity.
- Friendly, enthusiastic and curious children who love learning.
- A dedicated and caring staff team fully committed to our shared vision.
- Supportive and engaged governors who promote collaboration and positive challenge.
- A community where Christian values are lived out every day.
- A strong partnership with the local St James’ church.
- The opportunity of leading a school with a truly special family atmosphere and exciting future
Further details about the role
What Makes St James Special?
Community-centred: We are a vibrant hub within our village and beyond, enriched by strong partnerships with parents, the local church and the wider community.
Holistic development: We celebrate diversity and nurture open-mindedness, curiosity, empathy and well-being — developing confident, independent learners who collaborate and support one another.
High expectations: Our motto, “Bringing Out The Best,” reflects our belief in every child’s capacity to succeed through joyful, meaningful and purposeful learning experiences.
Shared ambition: We work together to empower children to become motivated, responsible individuals who contribute positively to society.
Interviews:
Interviews will take place on 22 and 23 April 2026.
Commitment to safeguarding
St James is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Due to the well-earned retirement of our current Headteacher, we are looking for a driven and passionate leader to join our forward thinking and ambitious school, and the successful candidate will share our commitment, ambition and belief in the unique value and potential of every child.
This is a wonderful opportunity to lead a school with a distinctive family atmosphere, a diverse community and an exciting future ahead.
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Bring proven leadership experience with a track record of successful school improvement.
- Be passionate about inclusion, pupil well-being and academic excellence.
- Be collaborative, empathetic and forward-thinking, with resilience and a sense of humour.
- Share our Christian vision and communicate it with clarity, warmth and authenticity.
- Be visible, approachable and wholeheartedly involved in daily school life.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and Inspire: Lead and deliver our strategic vision while upholding our Christian values.
Champion the holistic development of every child: ensure every young person receives high-quality education, personalised support, continuing to nurture a culture where children feel known, valued and celebrated.
Develop Staff Excellence: Inspire, support and empower our committed staff team.
Engage the Community: Foster strong relationships with parents, governors and the wider community.
Ensure Compliance and Accountability: Oversee safeguarding, SEND, health and safety, and statutory responsibilities, representing the school with integrity and maintaining the highest standards of governance
What the school offers its staff
We Offer:
- A beautiful rural setting with a strong and proud village identity.
- Friendly, enthusiastic and curious children who love learning.
- A dedicated and caring staff team fully committed to our shared vision.
- Supportive and engaged governors who promote collaboration and positive challenge.
- A community where Christian values are lived out every day.
- A strong partnership with the local St James’ church.
- The opportunity of leading a school with a truly special family atmosphere and exciting future
Further details about the role
What Makes St James Special?
Community-centred: We are a vibrant hub within our village and beyond, enriched by strong partnerships with parents, the local church and the wider community.
Holistic development: We celebrate diversity and nurture open-mindedness, curiosity, empathy and well-being — developing confident, independent learners who collaborate and support one another.
High expectations: Our motto, “Bringing Out The Best,” reflects our belief in every child’s capacity to succeed through joyful, meaningful and purposeful learning experiences.
Shared ambition: We work together to empower children to become motivated, responsible individuals who contribute positively to society.
Interviews:
Interviews will take place on 22 and 23 April 2026.
Commitment to safeguarding
St James is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.