Job description
Assistant Headteacher
LDR 1 -8 £53,586.00 - £63,688.00
Leadership with heart. Excellence for every child.
Are you an inspiring, child‑centred leader who believes that every pupil deserves excellence?
Foundry Lane Primary School is seeking to appoint a dedicated, forward‑thinking Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity for an existing leader or experienced teacher and emerging leader who is passionate about raising achievement, nurturing inclusion and preparing pupils to thrive as confident, successful learners through each stage of their development.
At Foundry Lane, we are proud of our warm, inclusive and diverse community, where strong relationships, high expectations and a creative curriculum enable every child to be safe, respected and supported to be their best. Our staff work collaboratively, value professional learning and share a commitment to continuous improvement. We are looking for someone who embodies our school motto, “Working Together.”
The Role
As Assistant Headteacher, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the primary age range, ensuring consistency, ambition and high standards in teaching, learning, curriculum and behaviour. You will support and develop colleagues through coaching and professional dialogue, use assessment and data effectively to drive improvement, and model excellent practice within your own classroom.
You will work closely alongside the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team contributing to whole‑school leadership, safeguarding and school improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Headteacher in the strategic leadership and operational management of the school
- Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan
- Lead on identified whole‑school priorities
- Line manage and appraise designated staff, providing effective challenge, support and coaching
- Promote a positive, professional culture where staff feel valued and supported
- Ensure clear lines of communication within teams and across the school
- Undertake a teaching commitment, which may include planned cover and targeted teaching across year groups, maintaining high standards of practice
We Are Looking for Someone Who:
- Is an exceptional classroom practitioner with proven experience
- Is aspirational for all pupils, including those with additional needs
- Has a strong understanding of curriculum progression, assessment and effective pedagogy
- Can motivate, challenge and support colleagues through collaborative leadership
- Values strong relationships, using relational and restorative approaches to support children
- Is reflective, positive and committed to ongoing professional learning
- Understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and the wider community
- Brings warmth, creativity and a good sense of humour to leadership
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Evidence of leadership or management responsibility that has led to improved pupil outcomes
- Experience of leading or contributing to improvement within a phase or curriculum area
- Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to use assessment and pupil data to inform teaching, track progress and raise attainment
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and pupil wellbeing
- Willingness to contribute fully to whole‑school leadership and development
Desirable
- Experience in a formal leadership role (e.g. phase lead, subject leader, assistant headteacher)
- Experience of preparing for or contributing to statutory assessment, moderation or inspection processes
- Experience of leading professional development or coaching colleagues
- Familiarity with statutory assessment frameworks
- Experience of working with parents and external agencies
Why Join Us?
- A supportive, collaborative staff team who value one another
- Children who are curious, welcoming and eager to learn
- A creative, engaging curriculum that nurtures confidence and ambition
- A leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to pupils’ lives and outcomes
Visits to the school are warmly encouraged and strongly recommended.
If you are interested in this position, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to interview exceptional candidates prior to the closing date.
Foundry Lane Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Applications are handled on Teaching Vacancies (GOV.UK).
About this school
Foundry Lane Primary School
Academy converter · Primary · Ages 4–11
- Pupils
- 524
- Avg teacher salary
- £46,718
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 21.1:1
- Academy trust
- GATEWAY MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Average (mean) teacher salary · DfE School Workforce Census 2024/25
View full school profileOfsted rating key
Not rated= no current Ofsted judgement — typically a new school, a recently-converted academy not yet inspected, or a school type Ofsted doesn’t grade.
Location
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Southampton, Southampton, SO15 3JT
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- Salary
- £53,586.00 - £63,688.00 Annually (Actual) LDR 1 - 8
- Contract
- Permanent
- Working pattern
- Full time
- Posted
- 19 October 2026
- Closing date
- 2 November 2026
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