Assistant Headteacher

Closing date: 06 September 2026

Are you looking for your next career step?

The Governing Board of Bamford Primary School is delighted to invite applications for the newly created role of Assistant Headteacher.

Bamford Primary School is a small, thriving rural primary school situated in the heart of the Peak District National Park. We are proud to be part of The Peak Federation, working in close partnership with Grindleford Primary School to provide the very best opportunities for our pupils, staff and wider community.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and experienced Teacher who is ready to take the next step into senior leadership. In the first instance, the successful candidate will have responsibility for a 0.6 Key Stage 2 class, working alongside an experienced class teacher, with dedicated leadership and management time built into the role.

As Assistant Headteacher, you will balance high-quality classroom practice with strategic leadership responsibilities. You will play a key role in supporting the smooth and effective day-to-day operation of the school and will lead the school in the absence of the Executive Headteacher. The role also offers significant opportunities to contribute to, and lead on, key priorities within our Federation Improvement Plan.

As this is a newly established position, we are keen to develop the role around the strengths, experience and aspirations of the successful candidate. We would particularly welcome applications from experienced teachers who have held leadership responsibilities and can demonstrate experience in some or all of the following areas:

• Curriculum development and leadership
• Staff leadership, coaching and mentoring
• Proven success in raising attainment and improving outcomes
• Experience across multiple key stages and/or within mixed-age classes
• SEND and inclusion leadership
  
  
  

The successful candidate will be fully supported as they develop within the role. Opportunities will be available to work closely with the Deputy Headteacher at Grindleford Primary School, providing valuable opportunities for collaboration, professional support and networking within our Federation.

You will provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to the teaching team, helping to ensure that all pupils thrive within our inclusive and nurturing environment.

We are seeking an experienced and personable leader who inspires confidence in others and builds strong relationships across the school community. The successful candidate will be flexible in their approach, calm under pressure and capable of managing a busy and varied workload whilst maintaining a positive outlook. This role requires someone who can balance strategic leadership with practical day-to-day involvement in school life. Above all, we are looking for a team player with a good sense of humour, a genuine ‘can-do’ attitude and a willingness to embrace everything that makes our small rural school special. A big warm coat is highly recommended!

Key responsibilities are likely to include:

• Leading the development and implementation of key aspects of the curriculum
• Supporting the work of the SENCO or, if appropriately qualified, sharing SENCO responsibilities with the Executive Headteacher
• Leading and contributing to school improvement priorities
• Providing Key Stage leadership, including responsibility for Key Stage 2 statutory assessments in the first instance
• Ensuring that our commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing is consistently upheld
• Developing and strengthening community engagement initiatives
• Maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality
  
  
  

As a small rural school, we value colleagues who are willing to immerse themselves in all aspects of school life. Flexibility, resilience and a hands-on approach are essential, alongside a genuine commitment to helping every child succeed.

This role would be particularly suited to an experienced teacher seeking their first Assistant Headteacher position and looking to develop their leadership career within a supportive and collaborative environment. Full support will be provided for relevant NPQs and other professional development opportunities.

Bamford Primary School is located withi

n the Peak District National Park and is within reasonable commuting distance of Sheffield, Matlock, Bakewell, Glossop and Stockport. While a driving licence is not essential, applicants should be aware that public transport links to the village are limited.

For further information, please contact the Executive Headteacher, Kate Gemmell, via email at Headteacher@bamford.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Visits to the school and informal discussions are warmly encouraged and can take place either in person or virtually. As this is a unique leadership opportunity within a small school, we are keen to ensure that prospective candidates have a thorough understanding of the role and our school community before applying.

Please contact the school by email to arrange a visit on one of the following dates:

Tuesday 25 August 2026, 10:00am to 3:30pm

Wednesday 26 August 2026, 12:30pm to 4:00pm

Thursday 3 September 2026, 10:00am to 12:00pm

We look forward to welcoming prospective applicants and sharing more about this exciting opportunity.

Provisional Interview Date: 17 or 18 September 2026 (Reserve dates 28th or 29th September 2026)