Head of School
The governors of The Exe Valley and Moorsway Federation are seeking to appoint an inspirational and committed leader to take on the role of Head of School from September 2026. This role will be within the Exe Valley East Hub at Whimple Primary School. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed and experienced leader to shape the future of our wonderful school.
Whimple’s last Ofsted inspection was in 2022 where the school was judged to be good. The Ofsted report can be found here: Whimple Primary School - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted and the Ofsted action plan may be found on the federation website.
The successful individual will also have a key remit for driving school improvement alongside the school’s development plan, while continuing to raise standards and promote strong values aligned to the federation. The post involves a teaching commitment, allowing us to utilise your expertise to support the ongoing development and strengthening of our teaching and educational standards. We are looking for a dynamic and effective leader with the vision, ability and drive to inspire pupils, staff and stakeholders ensuring successful and sustainable school improvement. In return, we can offer you strong support from the federation’s leadership team and an opportunity for continued professional development and coaching. If you are ready to meet these exciting challenges, we look forward to receiving your application.
You will:
• have high expectations of staff and pupils and the vision to build a strong staff team and cohesive school community;
• inspire and motivate all pupils and staff to develop in a well-disciplined and harmonious environment;
• enable all pupils to achieve their potential during their time at the school, ensuring that they leave school as mature, rounded, resilient individuals, ready to take their places as active, global citizens ready for secondary school and beyond.
• be committed to the delivery of the highest standard of teaching and learning across The Exe Valley and Moorsway Federation, including the professional development of staff.
What we can offer you:
• A friendly, dedicated staff team who believe in teamwork and building positive relationships across the school, federation and in the local community.
• High quality development programme with induction programmes for all new staff.
• Excellent CPD opportunities
• Annual professional learning days including safeguarding updates
• A supportive and collaborative working ethos, including support from the federation’s leadership team.
• Regular forums and networks to increase collaboration and reduce workload, including weekly leadership team meetings
If you are interested in applying for the post, please see the Job Description/Person Specification attached. To apply for this vacancy, please complete the application form, completing a full education and employment history since leaving school and indicating how you satisfy the criteria set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Applications should be emailed to the Executive Principal, Mr. John Jolliffe, via the Cheriton Fitzpaine School Office: cheritonadmin@exevalleyfederation.org.uk. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete and return a self-disclosure declaration ahead of interview.
In line with Keeping children safe in education 2025, online searches will be completed as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. This will include searching for inappropriate content which is publicly available that may suggest that a shortlisted candidate is not suitable to work with children, or that may harm the reputation of the school. An Enhanced DBS certificate will be required on provisional offer, including a check of the Children’s Barred List. Further vetting checks, in line with the requirements of Keeping children safe in education 2025 will be completed following a provisional offer of appointment. Where applicable, if an applicant with a provisional offer of employment has lived and/or worked outside the UK, they will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct.
The Exe Valley and Moorsway Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure and other employment checks.
Our Safeguarding Policy can be viewed via the following link: : Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 2025-26
Salary & Benefits
Salary from £55,747 to £61,534 per year (L4 - L8)
Location
Whimple Primary School
Whimple
Devon
EX5 2TS
Supporting documents
Deadline and how to apply
Closing date - 15th May 2026, 12:00
Please complete the attached application form and return to cheritonadmin@exevalleyfederation.org.uk