Headteacher

Description

Supporting documents

Employer

Location

Flourishing in South West London

St Matthew’s Church of England Primary school and nursery is a thriving school in Merton. We've grown our school roll by 7% in just the last two years, developed our premises following a significant investment in summer 2025, and welcomed an increasingly diverse group of children into our nurturing community. This is testament to our ambitious Christian vision, excellence in teaching and learning, strong community and trusted relationships.

We now look to build on this recent success, seeking to appoint a headteacher with vision and proven leadership within the context of the Christian ethos of the school.

Our current Headteacher is retiring after more than 20 years working in our school. She has led us to our current standing with wisdom, compassion and humour. We offer an exciting opportunity to lead a school with “A clear and inspiring vision, encapsulated in the motto ‘Friendship, Discovery, Prayer’” (SIAMS 2023).

Close to Wimbledon Common, we offer a tranquil space, with excellent transport links to central London, for our new headteacher who will take forward this successful single-form entry school, strengthening a culture that enables pupils to grow academically, socially and spiritually.

With a pupil roll of more than 200, our children are enthusiastic members of the “St Matthew’s Family”. They benefit from the broad and ambitious curriculum on offer in an environment where they are “safe and well cared for by staff” (Ofsted 2023). We seek a permanent headteacher who will nurture these relationships and build on the strong foundations already in place, while managing resources within a tightly agreed budget.

The successful candidate will provide professional leadership within our Christian ethos, lead the school into its next Ofsted and SIAMS inspections, and serve as Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead. You will also take the lead on Collective Worship, working closely with the Vicar of St Matthew's Church.

We offer the support of the governing body, Merton Schools Improvement Team, Southwark Diocesan Board of Education, and the West-Wimbledon Schools’ Cluster. We also offer professional development opportunities, a supportive staff, and a friendly school community.

“The school is collaborative and has an encouraging community. The teachers are committed and really care. Even the office staff know every child by name. It’s nurturing and warm, it is a community in every sense of the word.” (current parent)

For more information on the school, please visit our website.

You are very welcome to visit us and have a look round. To make an appointment please contact the school office.

Application closing date: Monday, 02nd March 2026

Shortlisting: Thursday, 05th March 2026

Interviews: Thursday, 19th & Friday, 20th March  2026

Salary Range: L12 – L18

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and external agencies to share this commitment. The school and the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education are committed to positively tackling discrimination in all its forms and working to ensure that all sections of the community have fair and equal access to and experience within employment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.St. Matthew’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be expected to complete an enhanced DBS check. CVs are not accepted.