Headteacher: St Stephen’s CofE Primary School

St Stephen's CofE Primary School is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our welcoming, family friendly and inclusive school community.

St Stephen’s CofE Primary School is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our welcoming, family friendly and inclusive school community. This opportunity arises as our much loved and highly respected Headteacher leaves us after many years of dedicated service.

School Name St Stephen’s Church of England Primary SchoolAddress Manchester Road, AstleyPostcode M29 7BTTel: 01942 882412Website: www.astleysaintstephen.co.ukStart Date: 1st September 2026

If you wish to visit us at St Stephen’s and tour the school with a member of the Governing Board, please contact the school office on 01942 882412. If you feel this may be the career opportunity you are looking for, application packs are available from and returnable to julie.ainsworth@wigan.gov.uk or to Julie Ainsworth, Clerk to the Selection Panel, Governor Services, 2nd Floor, Life Centre South, College Avenue, Wigan WN1 1NZ.

DBS enhanced disclosure is required.

St Stephen’s prides itself on having a warm and welcoming environment where children feel happy, safe and secure, and where a genuine love of learning grows. The school is committed to nurturing the whole child and recognising individual strengths. Its carefully designed curriculum promotes academic achievement while offering rich, creative and varied learning experiences. Personal development is a key focus and runs as a continuous thread throughout the curriculum, from Early Years, including nursery class, through to Year 6, supporting children to grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate a passion for education and a commitment to improving the life chances of all children.
• Have a proven track record of successful senior leadership in a primary school setting.
  Be an excellent communicator, able to build strong relationships with children, staff, parents and the wider community.
• Be able to champion the wellbeing and happiness of every child and adult within our school community.
• Lead curriculum development and inspire continuous improvement in teaching and learning
• Embody the values and vision of St Stephen’s CofE Primary School.
• Manage resources effectively to meet the needs of all children, maintaining a well-equipped and stimulating learning environment.
• Further build a culture of continuous professional development providing guidance, mentorship and opportunities for growth to all staff members.

We can offer you:

• Happy and enthusiastic children who love learning.
• A popular school with a welcoming, caring atmosphere and ethos.
• A dedicated and caring staff team committed to academic and personal development.
• A wide and creative curriculum with exciting learning experiences.
• Strong links with our Church, parents and carers.
• Supportive governance and collaboration within local networks.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Support for your wellbeing to ensure your success as a leader.

Children are at the heart of everything we do at St Stephen’s; our children have said they would like their new Headteacher to be:

• Kind and Loving
• Calm and respectful
• Caring and Understanding
• Fun and Joyful – they will play with us on the playground
• Knowledgeable, but will listen to our ideas too
• Inspirational and help us to keep learning
• A good listener and someone who makes us feel safe.
• Warm and welcoming – greeting us in the morning

Further information is available in the documents below:

• Job Description
• Full Job Advert
• Person Specification
• Letter from Chair of Governors
• Letter from Pupils

To find out more, please contact the Clerk to the Selection Panel:

Applying

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 25th March 2026Shortlisting: 31st March 2026Interview days: 23rd and 24th April 2026