Head of School - Southcote Primary School
| Posting date: | 02 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £78,702 to £86,803 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 March 2026 |
| Location: | Reading, Berkshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Reading Borough Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | SCH3350 |
Summary
Permanent – Full time
The Kennet Federation is seeking to appoint a committed and inspirational Head of School to lead Southcote Primary School on a day-to-day basis, working in close partnership with the Executive Headteacher.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious leader ready to make a significant impact. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction, culture and performance of the school, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
As Head of School, you will:
• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of Southcote Primary School
• Lead and develop the Wider Leadership Team and all staff
• Act as a key point of contact for parents, external agencies and stakeholders
• Work in partnership with the Executive Headteacher to secure high-quality teaching and improved outcomes for all pupils
• Lead the Federation’s vision, values and ethos, ensuring inclusion, high expectations and a nurturing environment
• Drive school improvement through self-evaluation and development planning in line with Ofsted frameworks
• Take strategic responsibility for safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and pastoral care
• Oversee staff performance management, wellbeing and professional development
• Contribute to budget oversight and effective resource management
• Strengthen relationships with parents, the local community and partner organisations
We are looking for a leader who:
• Is an excellent role model with a clear moral purpose and commitment to equity and inclusion
• Has proven experience of successful school leadership and raising standards
• Can inspire, motivate and develop staff at all levels
• Is highly organised, resilient and confident in decision-making
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing
• Is committed to collaborative working within a federated structure
• Builds positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors and external partners
• Is passionate about creating an environment where every child thrives
About The Kennet Federation
The Kennet Federation is a collaborative partnership committed to delivering high-quality education, strong community engagement and inclusive practice. Southcote Primary School is a welcoming and diverse school community where children are supported to achieve their full potential.
Please submit applications to the Executive Headteacher: Head@southcote.reading.sch.uk
Closing date: Thursday 12th March 2026. Applications will be considered on receipt.
Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check, appropriate references and health clearance.
The Kennet Federation is seeking to appoint a committed and inspirational Head of School to lead Southcote Primary School on a day-to-day basis, working in close partnership with the Executive Headteacher.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious leader ready to make a significant impact. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction, culture and performance of the school, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
As Head of School, you will:
• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of Southcote Primary School
• Lead and develop the Wider Leadership Team and all staff
• Act as a key point of contact for parents, external agencies and stakeholders
• Work in partnership with the Executive Headteacher to secure high-quality teaching and improved outcomes for all pupils
• Lead the Federation’s vision, values and ethos, ensuring inclusion, high expectations and a nurturing environment
• Drive school improvement through self-evaluation and development planning in line with Ofsted frameworks
• Take strategic responsibility for safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and pastoral care
• Oversee staff performance management, wellbeing and professional development
• Contribute to budget oversight and effective resource management
• Strengthen relationships with parents, the local community and partner organisations
We are looking for a leader who:
• Is an excellent role model with a clear moral purpose and commitment to equity and inclusion
• Has proven experience of successful school leadership and raising standards
• Can inspire, motivate and develop staff at all levels
• Is highly organised, resilient and confident in decision-making
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing
• Is committed to collaborative working within a federated structure
• Builds positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors and external partners
• Is passionate about creating an environment where every child thrives
About The Kennet Federation
The Kennet Federation is a collaborative partnership committed to delivering high-quality education, strong community engagement and inclusive practice. Southcote Primary School is a welcoming and diverse school community where children are supported to achieve their full potential.
Please submit applications to the Executive Headteacher: Head@southcote.reading.sch.uk
Closing date: Thursday 12th March 2026. Applications will be considered on receipt.
Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check, appropriate references and health clearance.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.