Executive Headteacher (The Skylark Federation)

Job Description

Closing date: 9am, Monday 09 November 2026
Shortlisting date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
Interview dates: Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please download the following four documents:

Recruitment Pack

Job Description

Application Form

Guidance Notes for Applicants

The Skylark Federation

Barcombe CE Primary School, School Path, Barcombe, Lewes, BN8 5DN
www.barcombe.e-sussex.sch.uk

Hamsey Primary School, Cooksbridge, Lewes, BN8 4SJ
www.hamsey.e-sussex.sch.uk

Iford and Kingston CE Primary School, Wellgreen Lane, Kingston, BN7 3NR
www.iford-kingston.e-sussex.sch.uk

Plumpton Primary School, Southdowns, Plumpton Green, Lewes, BN7 3EB
www.plumpton.e-sussex.sch.uk

The Governing Board of Skylark Federation are seeking to recruit a new Executive Headteacher to lead the Federation into the next exciting stage of its development. This is an exceptional executive leadership opportunity for an ambitious, forward thinking leader who is committed to making a lasting difference in rural education.

We are an established Federation of four distinctive rural primary schools clustered around Lewes in East Sussex: Barcombe, Hamsey, Plumpton and Iford and Kingston. While each of our four settings maintains its own distinct identity, ethos and community character, coming together as a Federation gives us the strength, scale and financial resilience of a much larger institution.

The new Executive Headteacher will provide strategic and professional leadership to shape the Federation's further development and drive improvement in the educational experience and outcomes for all our pupils.

Why work with us?

Our Federation offers a challenging but rewarding opportunity to lead small rural schools that serve close-knit communities where relationships are strong and families are deeply invested. We are proud of the inclusive ethos shared across all schools and of the distinctive Christian character of our Church schools, which enriches the life of the Federation.

Working with us means leading schools that are ambitious for their pupils despite the familiar challenges of rural settings; fluctuating pupil numbers and increasing financial pressures. We are looking for a leader who can think creatively and strategically, ensuring sustainability while protecting the high standards, rich curriculum and strong pastoral care our communities value.

You will join committed staff teams who care deeply about their pupils and take pride in their schools. Our governors are supportive, engaged and determined to secure the best possible future for the Federation. We have strong partnerships with the Diocese, local authority and neighbouring schools, and we welcome leaders who can strengthen these relationships further.

This is a role where your leadership will be visible, valued and influential. You will have the opportunity to shape the long-term direction of the Federation, develop future leaders and build resilient systems that allow our schools to thrive. If you are motivated by community, collaboration and the chance to make a profound difference, our Federation will be a fulfilling and inspiring place to work.

To arrange a visit or to have an informal, confidential conversation with the governors, please contact the Federation Clerk on governor@skylarkfed.education.

We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how your vision can shape our future.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

The Skylark Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

About us

Additional Information
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.
All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.