Job Description

Headteacher

Pay Range £69,596 to £78,702 (L13 to L18)

To commence 12th April 2027

Purleigh Primary School is a welcoming, caring and inclusive primary school situated in the village of Purleigh just outside of Maldon. We believe all children can learn with success, thrive with happiness and ultimately achieve excellence in school and life. www.purleighprimary.com

Due to our current headteacher retiring, the academy trust and the school governors are looking for an inspirational leader with the ability, experience and aspirations to build on current achievements thereby leading the school to even greater success.

The successful candidate will:

• Have a passion for delivering high-quality education aimed at making a difference to children's lives;
• Demonstrate proven school leadership skills with an impressive record of achievement and development in their existing and previous roles;
• Have a commitment to strategic thinking and planning aimed at delivering a broad and balanced curriculum to inspire and challenge our children whatever their ability;
• Be an excellent communicator, with a strong commitment to working with the children, parents/carers, staff, local governors, the academy trust and the wider community;
• Be committed to the CPD of the team and themself;
• Be passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare of the children and staff.

We will offer you:

• The opportunity to work with happy, enthusiastic and friendly children;
• A dedicated and hardworking staff team who are motivated and passionate about nurturing and educating our children;
• A popular school with excellent resources;
• Membership of Quantum Multi-Academy Trust, an established and effective support network of seven primary schools and one secondary school, who work collaboratively to facilitate school improvement;
• A challenging, but supportive Governance Board;

Please find a full recruitment pack downloadable from this advert.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please contact Mrs Hannah Tavener, Trust HR Manager for the primary schools, to arrange a suitable time to visit the school on htv@qmat.uk or call 01245 890 619. If you wish to speak to our CEO or DCEO please also contact Hannah Tavener via the email address provided.

Closing date: 12pm Noon on Monday 9th November 2026

Shortlisting date: Wednesday 11th November 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 25th November 2026

Information about the School

Purleigh Primary School is situated in the village of Purleigh, south of the Blackwater Estuary in Essex. The towns of Maldon and South Woodham Ferrers are three and four miles away and there are several smaller villages that are situated around the school. It is these villages that form the school's priority admission area.

The classes are divided into seven individual year groups and class numbers range from thirty to thirty four.

Purleigh Primary School is a happy village school where parents enjoy sending their children. It has a positive ethos and is a popular school with many families travelling a long way to attend.

The school learning environments are enriching and supportive and behaviour is strongly positive.

QMAT is a dynamic and forward-thinking trust, comprising of one large secondary school and seven thriving primary schools, all rated Good or better by Ofsted. Our schools are united by a shared culture of excellence, where relationships, opportunity, care, and kindness are at the heart of everything we do.

We set high standards and expectations, nurturing the potential in every child and empowering them to forge successful pathways for the future. Our ethos is not just about what we achieve, but how we achieve it—with integrity, compassion, and a relentless commitment to improvement.

To find out more about QMAT or to view trust 'Policies, GDPR & Privacy Notices' or 'Governance' information visit the website: www.qmat.co.uk