Assistant Headteacher

Inspire. Educate. Empower.

Legh Vale Primary School is seeking to appoint two Assistant Headteachers to join us from September 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive environment where professional development is encouraged, and every child is valued.

Legh Vale Primary School is a two-form entry primary school with a nursery.

As Assistant Headteacher, you will be at the heart of the leadership team, helping shape the future of Legh Vale Primary School and ensuring every pupil thrives. This is more than a leadership role it’s an opportunity to embed a culture of excellence, safeguarding and inclusion across the school, supporting both staff and pupils to reach their full potential.

Working alongside the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, you will help drive strategic priorities, enhance teaching and learning and ensure operational excellence. You’ll be a visible, approachable leader who sets high expectations while fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for staff, pupils, and families alike.

You will:

• Support the Headteacher in leading the school, ensuring high-quality education, care and wellbeing for all pupils
• Act as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategy, school improvement and operational planning
• Embed a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion and pupil safety across the school community
• Develop and maintain effective systems, processes and routines to support smooth day-to-day operations
• Liaise with parents, carers, external agencies and stakeholders to ensure holistic support for pupils
• Provide clear advice, reports and recommendations to the Headteacher, Governing Body and Local Authority

We're looking for a senior leader who combines experience, vision and heart:

• Strong commitment to personal and professional development
• Secure understanding of safeguarding legislation, policies, and best practice
• Sound knowledge of education law, SEN requirements, and statutory frameworks
• Proven ability to lead strategically while remaining approachable, supportive, and practical
• Inspirational communicator with the ability to motivate staff and drive positive change

• Enthusiastic and resilient leader with the vision, empathy and determination to inspire others and drive meaningful change
• Strong track record of raising standards and improving outcomes
• Excellence as a classroom practitioner across multiple key stages
• Outstanding communication, organisational, and people leadership skills

Working at Legh Vale Primary School

Joining our school means becoming part of a vibrant, supportive community where every day brings new opportunities to inspire and be inspired. Here, you’re not just a teacher or staff member you’re a vital part of a team dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child.

The ethos & values of our school mean the children are at the heart of everything we do. Everyone in our school community strives for every child to reach their full potential, in every aspect of school life.

Our staff enjoy:

• A collaborative and friendly environment where ideas are valued and shared
• The rewarding experience of seeing students grow, succeed, and develop confidence
• Opportunities for continuous professional growth and leadership development
• The chance to make a real difference, shaping the future of our students
• A culture that balances high expectations with genuine care and respect

At Legh Vale Primary School, we believe that happy, motivated staff create the best learning experience. That’s why we prioritize wellbeing, celebrate achievements, and foster a strong sense of belonging.

Come join us where your passion for education meets a community that truly cares.

Legh Vale Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Candidate open events

We want to give candidates the opportunity to visit our wonderful school and have arranged two open events for Thursday 26th February at 1.15pm and Monday 2nd March at 9.15am. Please email the school (Leghvale@sthelens.org.uk) marked for the attention of Nicola Kearney, to reserve a place.

Closing date is midnight on Tuesday 10th March 2026.

Short-listing will take place on Wednesday 11th March 2026.

Interviews will be held on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th March 2026.

For more information regarding this role, please contact joanna.dignall@sthelens.org.uk

Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a sufficient number of applications and encourage you to apply early, to avoid disappointment.

Full Job Description & Person Specification Documents are included with this advert.

This is an Enhanced Disclosure post.

Be scam aware: St Helens Council will never ask applicants to share payment information or charge recruitment fees when applying for vacancies at our schools. If in doubt, contact schoolpayroll@sthelens.gov.uk

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection.