Head of School

 PLEASE DO NOT APPLY USING THE DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL WEBSITE, PLEASE SEE DETAILS BELOW.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen in our Federation of two Local Authority Maintained schools, following a leadership restructure. We are looking for the best two Heads of School out there (one for our Infant School and one for our Junior School) to join our happy and supportive team, starting in either April 2026 or September 2026. 

We have a wonderfully vibrant school community, and we have recently embarked on an exciting new chapter for our Federation with new leadership. Our two new Heads of School will play an integral part in shaping our exciting new direction.

 Are you an outstanding practitioner, who is dedicated to improving the life chances of children? 

We passionately believe that all children, whatever their individual circumstances, should feel secure, included, valued and challenged in all aspects of school life by being at the centre of every action and decision we make. We strive to help nurture the belief in our children that they can genuinely achieve anything they put their minds to. To enable our children to leave The Park Schools Federation as skilled and well-rounded individuals, successfully prepared to take on the challenge of secondary school and adulthood. 

Is this a vision that you share? If so, we are looking for someone who: 

• Is a ‘champion’ for every child in our care, putting the children’s needs and well-being before anything else.
• is dynamic, determined, approachable, visionary and has high personal expectations.
• has the ability to make learning fun and engaging while ensuring all children are appropriately challenged.
• builds on existing strengths and helps lead our federation of schools to further improve the quality of our provision.
• has the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with members of our school community.
• has high expectations of all children’s achievement and behaviour.
• has ideas, energy and is solution-focussed.
• is able to motivate and inspire both staff and pupils.
• sincerely values every member of the school community.
• is eager to make a wider contribution to school life. 

In return, we can offer you: 

• a truly amazing group of children, who we are all proud of.
• access to excellent professional development, tailored to your personalised needs. This includes a proven track-record of progression to headship, if that is your chosen direction.
• at least three days per week dedicated leadership time.
• a clear framework for driving the improvement of teaching and learning.
• A stunning learning environment, with enormous potential.
• a very supportive governing body. 

We are a pair of large and popular village Local Authority schools with friendly and dedicated staff, charming children and the opportunity to be part of our whole school community. We have a strong commitment to ensuring your well-being, including personal ‘passport’ days in term time, and a learning environment which is full of potential! 

If you are keen to be part of our very special team, please do request further details. Visits to our school are warmly welcomed to see the wealth of fantastic learning facilities we provide, for example our Forest School has to be seen to be believed! Please contact the school office on 01623 742663 or enquiries@parkfed.co.uk, to make an appointment and see our fantastic school in action. 

Viewing times are:

Monday November 17 at 2pm and 4pm

Friday November 28 at 10am, 2pm and 4pm

Wednesday December 10 at 10am and 4pm

Thursday January 8 at 2pm and 4pm

Thursday January 15 at 10am and 2pm 

The closing date is on Friday 19/01/26 at 5pm and shortlisting will take place on Wednesday 21/01/26. Interviews will take place on Thursday 29/01/26 and Friday 30/01/26.

Please see our website for the applications form: https://www.parkfed.co.uk/page/?title=Vacancies&pid=61