Head of School

Start date: January 2026 (We also welcome applications for an April start)

‘Pupils thrive in this nurturing small school. They are well known and well cared for. This contributes towards them feeling safe and happy.

Despite its small size, the school has big ambitions to give each pupil ‘wings to fly’.’

Ofsted, July 2025.

About Us

St Mark’s is a small rural school with excellent facilities including grounds that include outdoor learning and nearby Forest School facilities. As a small school we enjoy a caring and nurturing family ethos that is evident in our Ofsted inspection report from July 2025 where the school was judged as ‘good’ in all areas.

St Mark’s is in partnership with Sussex Spires Federation so you be part of the wider leadership team committed to excellence in education and community impact.

The Role

As Head of School, you will lead the day-to-day management of St Mark’s, working closely with the Executive Headteacher to shape and deliver our strategic vision. The role currently includes 1.5 days teaching. This is a unique opportunity to lead change, influence school improvement, and make a tangible difference to our pupils and wider community.

The Successful Candidate Will:

Demonstrate a proven track record of leading learning to secure good pupil outcomes.
Show the ability to inspire, lead, and develop staff to achieve exceptional performance.
Be passionate about fostering a nurturing, inclusive school culture where every pupil can thrive.
Collaborate effectively within the partnership leadership team and with governors.
Bring a clear vision for school improvement aligned with the ethos and values of St Mark’s.

We Offer:

The support of an experienced and dedicated partnership leadership team focused on pupil success.
Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the partnership.
A knowledgeable and supportive Governing Board committed to the school’s vision.
The chance to lead strategic initiatives that impact the school and local community.
Ongoing training and career progression support tailored to your leadership journey.

If you are an inspiring and ambitious leader ready to make a difference in a small school with big ambitions, we would love to hear from you.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Leadership L3 to L7 (£54,394 to £60,145)

Location

St Mark's CE Primary School
School Lane
Hadlow Down
East Sussex
TN22 4HY

Supporting documents

Deadline and how to apply

Closing Date: 9am Monday 1st December

Interview Date: Tuesday 9th December

Please send your completed application form together with your letter of support, to include any relevant details about why you are applying for this position, to office@st-marks.e-sussex.sch.uk by 9am Monday 1st December.

Please write your personal statement within the application form, under the main headings of the Person Specification found within this information pack. Please ensure your personal statement doesn’t exceed 4 sides of A4.

Equal opportunities

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with the Disclosure & Barring Service. For further information about what is required in this process please go to www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service. We give high priority to promoting diversity throughout the school.