[261008] Head of School

About this Role

Post: Head of School

Location: Pilgrim Primary Academy, Oxford St, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 5BQ

FTE Salary Range: Leadership Scale L12 - L18; £67,898 - £78,702

Contract Type: Permanent, full time

Contract Hours: 1FTE per week, Monday to Friday

Lead Inclusive Excellence. Shape the Future. Transform Lives.

This is a rare opportunity to join Reach South Academy Trust at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation in education.

Are you an ambitious and passionate school leader who sets high expectations, leads with a big heart and has the ability to inspire and motivate a large team?

Pilgrim Primary Academy is a vibrant, diverse and inclusive inner-city school within the heart of the city of Plymouth, where strong relationships, excellent pastoral care and an ambitious curriculum enable children to thrive.

Following on from a successful Ofsted inspection in January 2025 where staff were described as "consistently acting in the best interests of pupils," we are now seeking an inspirational and highly motivated Head of School to build on our strong foundations and lead the academy into its next exciting chapter.

You will provide visible, ambitious and compassionate leadership, empower our school community and the committed staff team to ensure that every child, regardless of their starting point, receives the support, challenge and opportunities they need to thrive, achieve and exceed expectations.

Working closely with the Regional Director, Trust leaders, governors, staff, families and external partners, you will lead the strategic and operational development of the academy, championing high standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who combines high expectations with warmth, determination and an unwavering belief in what every child can achieve.

About the Role

• Provide clear, visionary leadership that inspires staff, pupils and the wider community.
• Drive school improvement and raise outcomes for all children.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, inclusion and achievement.
• Lead and develop a talented team through coaching, collaboration and professional development.
• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection.
• Foster strong partnerships with parents, governors, the Trust and external agencies.
• Create a positive, nurturing environment where both children and staff can thrive.

Why Join Reach South?

• Be part of an ambitious Trust surrounded by expertise
• Benefit from close support from executive leadership
• Work in a collaborative, values-led environment
• Play a central role in a school improvement journey with real impact

Opportunities and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.

We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.

Closing date

Closing date: for applications is midnight 1 November 2026

Interview Date:

All shortlisted candidates will be required to visit Pilgrim Primary Academy as part of the interview process. This visit is a vital part of the process and provides an opportunity to experience the culture and ethos of our Trust first‑hand.

This visit will take place on 10 November 2026 (1 hour approximately)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Assessment Day on 1, 2 or 3 December 2026.

Successful candidates from the Assessment Day (Day 1) will be invited to attend an interview (Day 2) on either 7 or 8 December 2026.

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