Headteacher

St John’s C.E Primary School

Church Street

Pemberton

Wigan

WN5 0DT

Salary: Leadership Pay Spine L15 L21

Full Time

Number on Roll 188

School Group 2

Required for 1st September 2026

St John’s CE Primary School is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our vibrant and inclusive school community. This opportunity arises as our much loved and highly respected Headteacher leaves us after many years of dedicated service.

St John’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 recognizing 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 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.
• Lead curriculum development and inspire continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
• Embody the values and vision of St John’s CE 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 John’s; our children have said they would like their new Headteacher to be:

• Kind and helpful.
• Calm and respectful.
• Hardworking.
• Trustworthy and honest.
• Caring.
• Knowledgeable.
• A good listener and someone who makes us feel safe.
• Warm and welcoming.

If you wish to visit us at St John’s and tour the school with a member of the Governing Board, please contact the school office on 01942 222133.

If you feel this may be the career opportunity you are looking for, application packs are available from and returnable to michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk or to Michelle Foster, Clerk to the Selection Panel, Governor Services, 2^nd Floor, Life Centre South, College Avenue, Wigan WN1 1NZ.

St John’s CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulation and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

As part of the shortlisting process, online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates in accordance with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

St John’s CE Primary School is within the Diocese of Liverpool.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 25^th January 2026

Shortlisting: 30^th January 2026

Interview days: 9^th and 10^th February 2026

This position is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus child barred list check

The employer is committed to safeguarding

To view the details relating to this position and to access the application form, please click the links below: