We are seeking an inspirational and driven Assistant Headteacher to join the leadership team at Kilnwood Vale Primary School from September 2025. This is a pivotal role combining strategic oversight of Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy with the responsibilities of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL). The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the learning experience across the school, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning that supports all pupils to thrive.

This is an exciting time to join Kilnwood Vale Primary, a growing school at the heart of a vibrant new community. From September 2025, we will also welcome a new Headteacher, making this a unique opportunity to help shape the next phase of the school’s journey. We are looking for an ambitious leader who can demonstrate whole-school impact, is passionate about curriculum development, committed to excellence in assessment practice, and has a strong understanding of safeguarding and inclusion.

Your Opportunity 

As Assistant Headteacher, you will work in close partnership with the Headteacher to lead on strategic areas including Curriculum, Assessment, and Pedagogy, while also serving as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).

You will help shape the school’s future direction within the GLF Multi-Academy Trust, championing high expectations, inclusive practice, and continuous improvement. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on impact across teaching and learning, staff development, safeguarding, SEND, and curriculum innovation.

We are looking for an ambitious and inspirational leader who thrives in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment and is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for all pupils.

What we are looking for

• Honours degree or equivalent
• Qualified teacher status
• Proven experience in raising standards and improving outcomes for all pupils
• In-depth understanding of primary pedagogy, curriculum development, and assessment
• Demonstrated expertise in safeguarding, including Child Protection procedures
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence, inspire and build positive relationships

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification for more information and before applying.

About Kilnwood Vale Primary School

Our School sits within a established cluster of schools, overseen by a Regional Director. Along with Kilnwood Vale Primary, our cluster includes the following other schools; Southgate Primary School, Forge Wood Primary School, Greenway Junior School, Salfords Primary School, Lime Tree Primary School, Merstham Primary School.

This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across this cluster, to share expertise and experience, ensuring all children in our schools receive an excellent education and reach their potential. It also provides opportunities for career progression across the cluster and gives you the chance to further your professional development.

Join the GLF Schools Community

As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.

• A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,000 colleagues and over 17,000 pupils
• Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness
• 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
• We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
• Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education

GLF Schools Employment Offer

GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish

• Access to our highly competitive Teachers Pension Scheme
• Flexible working options
• Generous holiday allowance
• Work life and family friendly policies
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Access to a staff benefits portal
• Community and collaboration working model

Please read the attached Join Our Community candidate pack for further information.

The Details

Start Date: 1st Sept 2025

Pay Scale: GLF Leadership Scale L1-L5 (Dependent on experience) 

Contract type: Permanent 

Closing Date: 12th May 2025 

Interview date: TBA

GLF Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

As a Trust, we are happy to discuss flexible working opportunities. GLF Schools recognises and celebrates the diversity of its schools and their communities. There is a shared commitment across the Trust to develop further a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated, and individuals are treated equitably and fairly and feel a sense of belonging. We strive for an inclusive environment where staff, children and students are comfortable to express their own identity, should they wish, in which diversity and inclusion is of mutual benefit for everyone in our schools. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups including those based on ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy at any time ahead of the closing date if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.

We also reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates ahead of the closing date.

Please be advised that references may be requested on receipt of your application. Please state if you wish this to be delayed until shortlisting/interviews have taken place.