About Us
Hawthorns Primary school opened in 1977, originally as a First School for children aged 5 -8. In 2015, the school expanded to become a one-form entry primary school and in February 2024, Hawthorns became the 9th school to join Schoolsworks Academy Trust. The school also has its own nursery for children aged 2 -5. This provision feeds into the school and supports excellent transition and early learning experiences.
This small one-form entry primary school lies in beautiful grounds where nature is
abundant and so there are plenty of opportunities for children to take their learning outdoors and we actively encourage this. We are fortunate to have our own enclosed
pond area and forest school site as well as a small field and separate playgrounds.
Job Details
Ref: 400180
NOR: 176 (36 in Nursery)
Required: January 2027
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Leadership Range 10 -14, £ 64,691 to £71,330p.a.
Reporting to: Director of School Improvement and CEO
Hawthorns Primary School are looking to appoint a Head of School from January 2027. The post is suitable for those looking to take their first steps into headship.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious Head of School to inspire our children and staff, to lead the school on its next stage in its exciting journey of improvement. The Head of School role would suit an ambitious senior leader, looking for their first headship. Through this model we would provide the successful candidate with high quality mentoring and extensive strategic support.
We can offer:
- A welcoming small community school
- A friendly and committed staff team
- Enthusiastic children who enjoy learning
- Extensive support from our Trust
We highly recommend you to make an informal visit to the school to find out more. To arrange a visit, please contact Lynn Wood, HR Manager on
01903 278205 or
[email protected] to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Tuesday 15th September 2026
Interview Dates: Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September 2026
What You Need to Succeed
We believe that this is an exciting opportunity for someone who has proven leadership qualities and is looking for their first headship.
Can you offer:
- A passion for delivering high quality education in order to continue to raise standards?
- Leadership and management skills that are compatible with the Trust’s vision and
values?
- A strong track record of success in your current role?
- Creativity in curriculum development?
- Excellent interpersonal and people management skills?
- A commitment to safeguarding and well-being?
Further Information
Hawthorns Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and there is an expectation of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references, qualifications, health and enhanced DBS checks.
Hawthorns Primary School is part of Schoolsworks Academy Trust, an employer fully
committed to supporting the career development of all its staff.
Hawthorns 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
A full information pack is available to download from this advert, along with our application form.
Applicants should clearly state on the application form and in their supporting statement, their current expertise and previous experience. For a list of essential and/or desirable criteria please see the personal specification and job description within the full information pack. In your application, please address the Person Specification and provide evidence of impact from your current/past experience in your supporting statement. This should not exceed 1500 words.
Completed application forms and supporting statements should be sent to [email protected]
Should you have any questions regarding the role or the application please feel free to email us or contact us on 01903 278205.
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 SCHO02767.
