Headteacher Opportunity Castleton Primary School, Rochdale

Salary: L18-L24

Job type: Full time, Permanent

Start date: 1^st September 2026

Apply by 11:59pm on 24^th March 2026

Castleton Primary School is a warm, inclusive and communitycentered school at the heart of Castleton, where children are inspired to achieve their best and staff are committed to nurturing confident, respectful and resilient learners. We are now seeking an exceptional Headteacher who will build on our strengths, champion our values and lead our school into its next exciting chapter.

About Castleton Primary School

Our current headteacher is retiring after 24 years and the Governing Board are looking to recruit an experienced and committed leader who has the skills to build upon our current strengths and the right respecting school ethos to develop our education provision into its next phase.

Our school is proud of its welcoming atmosphere, strong community connections and belief that every child deserves the very best opportunities. We foster a culture of respect, curiosity and ambition, and work closely with families to ensure children thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

The Governing Board is looking for an exceptional Headteacher who can provide strong, strategic leadership and inspire our whole school community. We are looking for a leader who brings professional credibility, a deep understanding of primary education, a commitment to our Right Respecting School ethos and the drive to lead Castleton Primary School into its next chapter.

Professional Background & Leadership Experience:

• Proven leader with a strong record of whole school improvement and change management.
• QTS with solid primary experience.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge (DSL/DDSL essential).
• Skilled in inclusive practice, SEND leadership, and operational/budget management.
• Provides clear strategic direction with measurable impact.

Skills & Professional Expertise:

• Inspires and empowers staff through clear, confident communication.
• Builds strong relationships across the school community.
• Ensures high quality EYFS and primary teaching and learning.
• Works collaboratively with local schools and partners.

Personal Qualities & Leadership Style:

• Leads with integrity, empathy, and resilience.
• Visible, approachable, and hands on.
• Handles difficult conversations professionally and fairly.
• Champions inclusion and a Rights Respecting culture where every child feels valued.

The children of Castleton Primary School are looking for a Headteacher who, in their own words:

• Knows about our rights and can teach lessons about them.
• Is intelligent.
• Is an expert at something new and can share that new thing.
• Cares about us and makes sure each pupil feels heard.
• Treats the children how they want to be treated.
• Has a big voice and can speak in assemblies.
• Listens to children’s ideas.
• Has a big imagination.

The school’s vision and strategic direction, as well as other information, can be found on the school’s website.

Visits to the school are strongly recommended and can be arranged by making an appointment with the Headteacher, through the school office on 01706 631858.

If you are an inspirational leader committed to inclusion, ambition and community, we welcome your application.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 24^th March 2026

Shortlisting: Thursday 26^th March 2026

Interviews: Monday 30^th March 2026 and Tuesday 31^st March 2026

To apply for this position please download the application form and supporting documentation and send completed applications to head.recruitment@rochdale.gov.uk by 11:59pm on Tuesday 24^th March 2026.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring and background check

The ability to converse at ease with customers and service users and provide advice in accurate spoken English is an essential requirement of this post.

Applicants are advised that by applying for this position they are declaring that they are not subject to any immigration controls or restrictions that prohibit them from undertaking work in the UK, and that they are able to provide proof of their Right to Work in the UK if they are invited to attend an interview.

The school will carry out an online search as part of their due-diligence for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.