Job Description

Ashbridge Independent School invite applications for the role of Headteacher from September 2026. This a rare opportunity to lead an established, thriving and sustainable Independent Primary School to continue and further develop the success in delivering an aspirational vision, values and curriculum.

Ashbridge Independent School is a leading primary day school for 130 pupils aged 4 to 11 years old, located in Hutton, Preston.

The successful applicant will embody the School's Vision and Values, with a strategic aim and business acumen to further lead, develop and inspire the Ashbridge community.

The Ashbridge Approach of Empowering Young Minds through Respect and Nurture embodies our vision and values. The Head will lead Ashbridge Independent School to instil in our children: innovative thinking skills, a keen curiosity for learning, the confidence to be creative, and respect for themselves, others and the wider world. The team will be lead to follow a nurturing ethos and build positive family partnerships which promote a happy and adventurous childhood.

Further information about Ashbridge Independent School can be found at www.ashbridgeschool.co.uk.

Call 01772 619900 and speak to our current Head, Mrs Karen Mehta, to arrange a visit to the school to find out more about this rare opportunity, ahead of interview between 20th October to 13th November 2025.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

An inspirational leader with experience in a similar leadership role; Experience of, and can demonstrate, strategic thinking and business acumen to lead and develop the vision of the school; Proven excellent experience and understanding of how academic and pastoral school life can positively impact on a child's attainment; Experience of successful ISI or Ofsted inspection outcomes and practice, in a leadership role; Demonstrate a clear understanding of ISI regulations and how they are implemented across the school, to include Quality and Compliance requirements (desirable); In depth knowledge of Safeguarding and the skills to act as school DSL; Excellent interpersonal, team player and coaching skills; Strong communication skills - both written and verbal; A love of the outdoors; Confident in the use of technology, including Microsoft Office, CPOMS and Class DoJo; Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and evidence of further professional development; Full Driving Licence.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR US;

Access to teacher's pension (TPS); Teacher's Pay & Conditions; Generous Childcare package; Support from an experienced and established Senior Leadership Team; Have the opportunity to drive forward an established and sustainable Independent Primary school in the Preston area.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Visits: 20th October to 13th November Application deadline: Friday 14th November Shortlisting: Monday 17th November Invite to Interview: Tuesday 18th November Interviews: Thurs 4th & Fri 5th December

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION;

Ashbridge Independent School is committed to equality and diversity in all aspects of employment.

Ashbridge Independent School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Ashbridge Independent School follows Safer Recruitment Practices, including checks with past employers. References will be obtained in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025).

The successful applicant will also be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service, the cost of which is to be met by the successful applicant.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. If you are appointed, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands or final warnings which are not protected (i.e., that are not filtered out*), as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended).

You will also be required to disclose any other information that would suggest that you may be unsuitable to work with children. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from taking up appointment; it will depend on the nature of the offence(s) and their relevance to the post you are applying for. However, should you not declare any of the above and this is subsequently revealed, for example through the DBS check, then this may result in withdrawing the conditional job offer. Any information given will be treated in the strictest confidence and with due regard to the ROA and data protection legislation.

*Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' meaning that they are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account.

All guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found in the DBS filtering collection on the Gov.uk website and further information on disclosing a criminal record can also be obtained from NACRO . It is a criminal offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Online Searches following shortlisting:

In line with the statutory guidance document Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025), Ashbridge Independent School will conduct online searches after the shortlisting process for any candidates who accept an invitation to interview. The purpose of the online search is to uncover any information that may suggest the candidate is:

a potential safeguarding risk their appointment may damage the reputation of the school or; they are unqualified for the role they have applied for.
No recruitment decision will be made solely on the basis of an online search and all relevant information uncovered will be discussed with the applicant at interview. All online searches will be conducted by individuals who are not involved in any other aspect of the recruitment process. No irrelevant information uncovered will be provided to the staff responsible for interviewing the job applicant. All candidates will be treated consistently.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 64,691.00-73,105.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Childcare Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Housing allowance On-site parking Referral programme Relocation assistance Sick pay Transport links
Work Location: In person