About Us
St Wilfrid’s C of E Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school at the heart of the Haywards Heath community.
At St Wilfrid’s, relationships matter. The school places great importance on care, respect and a strong sense of belonging, creating an environment where pupils are known, valued and supported. Classrooms are calm and purposeful, reflecting the school’s high expectations for behaviour and learning. Staff work collaboratively and are committed to high expectations, continuous improvement and positive partnerships with families, the Church, the Trust and the wider community. The school currently serves 420, with a diverse and inclusive intake and is committed to ensuring that all children are able to thrive academically, personally and spiritually.
We are now seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our school into its next exciting chapter.
Why Join Us?
- A warm, welcoming environment where children thrive and staff feel valued.
- A strong Christian ethos underpinning a culture of respect, inclusion, and ambition.
- The opportunity to shape the future of a successful school within a growing Trust.
Job Details
Salary: L18: £78,702 p.a. to L24: £90,254 p.a.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Location: Haywards Heath
Interviews: Week Commencing 13 July 2026
What You Need to Succeed
About the Role
As Headteacher, you will:
- Provide visionary leadership, working closely with the Trust’s Director of Education and CEO.
- Drive high standards of teaching and learning, ensuring every child achieves their full potential.
- Build strong relationships with staff, parents, and the wider community.
- Champion safeguarding and wellbeing for both pupils and staff.
About You
We are looking for a leader who:
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status and a proven track record of of working with others and outstanding practice as a primary teacher
- Has significant leadership experience and a passion for primary education.
- Demonstrates empathy, resilience, and decisiveness in equal measure.
- Understands SEND provision and is committed to inclusive education.
- Has a deep knowledge of safeguarding principles and their practical application.
- Is inspirational with the ability to motivate others, and is ambitious for the school and its pupils.
What We Offer
- A supportive Trust network and professional development opportunities.
- A school community that values creativity, curiosity, and care.
- The chance to make a lasting impact on children’s lives.
Further Information
St Wilfrid's CofE Primary School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.
How to Apply
To apply for this role please download the Headteacher Vacancy Pack and application form below.
Please complete the application form and ensure that you outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the job description).
Prospective candidates are invited to make contact to discuss the role and arrange a visit to the school.
To organise a visit, please email [email protected]
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Victoria Foster, Talent Acquisition Manager, at [email protected]
Interested candidates should submit a covering letter and completed application form to Victoria Foster, Talent Acquisition Manager – Hurst Education Trust, via [email protected]
NOTE TO CANDIDATES - Please do not select the ‘Apply online’ button as the School processes your applications directly rather than through this site.
The reference number for this role is SCHO02773.
