Islamiyah Girls’ High School (IGHS) is seeking to appoint a Headteacher to lead a high-performing, values-driven school with a strong Islamic ethos, an Outstanding inspection history, and consistently strong GCSE outcomes. This is a rare opportunity to build on well-established foundations and lead a school that combines academic excellence with character development and pastoral strength.
IGHS provides a high-quality education within a nurturing Islamic environment, promoting discipline, respect, responsibility and academic excellence. The school was judged Outstanding in all areas at its last inspection in 2018 and consistently achieves GCSE results exceeding both local and national averages. In recent years of published outcomes placed the school within the top four performing secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen.
The curriculum integrates the National Curriculum with Islamic Studies and is supported by strong pastoral systems and meaningful enrichment opportunities, ensuring pupils benefit from both academic success and well-rounded personal development. The school benefits from a committed and supportive staff team, strong leadership structures, positive parental engagement, and a clear Islamic ethos that underpins all aspects of school life.
The Headteacher will provide strategic leadership and professional direction, ensuring high standards of teaching, safeguarding and pupil development are maintained. The successful candidate will lead the strategic direction of the school, sustain strong academic outcomes, ensure ongoing compliance with the Independent School Standards, and work closely with Governors to drive continuous improvement. The role will also include leading and developing staff and further strengthening departmental practice.
In your first year, you will review and develop the School Development Plan, strengthen systems for teaching, learning and assessment, and secure continued strong outcomes. You will also develop staff and middle leadership capacity while strengthening relationships with parents and the wider community
Essential Criteria
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
- Senior leadership experience within a secondary school setting
- Proven ability to improve teaching and learning
- Experience of analysing data to raise attainment and pupil outcomes
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and statutory responsibilities
- Ability to lead and manage staff effectively
- Commitment to Islamic ethos and values
- Strong communication and organisational skills
Desirable Criteria
- NPQH or equivalent leadership qualification
- Experience within an independent school setting
- Experience in a faith-based school
- Postgraduate or Master’s level qualification
- Experience sustaining high academic outcomes
Application Process
CVs will be accepted in the first instance. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a full application pack in line with safer recruitment requirements.
Application packs can be requested by emailing [email protected]
We warmly welcome visits to the school. To arrange a visit, please contact Zoe Bunting on (01254) 661259.
Safeguarding Statement
Islamiyah Girls’ High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and all safer recruitment requirements in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £33,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
