Swinnow Primary School

  • Welcome to the Swinnow Primary School website.

     


HEADTEACHER

Salary: L15 – L21 (£73,105 - £84,699)

Start Date: September 2026

 

The Governors, staff, children, and families of Swinnow Primary School are seeking to appoint an inspirational leader with a passion for education and aspiration.  

Swinnow Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school in the west of Leeds. We are proud of our positive ethos and child-centred approach to everything we do. In addition to being a one form entry school, Swinnow Children’s Centre is on site, which provides services for families with children aged 0 - 5. Our nursery takes children from the age of 2. We also host Meadow – a provision to support children with SEMH needs from schools within the West of Leeds. This brings additional expertise and opportunities for collaboration to support both our staff and children. 

Our school is a caring and nurturing environment where relationships between staff and pupils are strong and children feel safe, supported and encouraged to succeed. We are proud of our inclusive ethos, our commitment to the whole child and the strong partnerships we have built with families and the wider community.

Our current headteacher is retiring, so we are now looking for a Headteacher who shares our belief that every child deserves the absolute best opportunities, who will build on our existing strengths, while also generating new ideas to lead the school forward with ambition, clarity and compassion.

Our new Headteacher will be someone who:

  • Can provide proven, effective leadership with a strong strategic vision for whole-school improvement.
  • Has high expectations for pupil attainment, behaviour and attendance, ensuring sustained success from early years onwards.
  • Is committed to nurturing students’ personal development and championing a strong meaningful student voice across the school community.
  • Is an inspiring, inclusive leader who motivates, challenges and supports staff to perform consistently at a high level and champions staff wellbeing and professional development.
  • Is a collaborative and highly effective communicator who builds strong partnerships with parents, carers and the wider community.
  • Has a proactive, resilient and forward-looking attitude, with the ability to respond effectively to challenge and change.
  • Has a strong commitment to safeguarding, statutory responsibilities and resource management.
  • Has a passion to continue the collaborative and effective relationship between the school and the Governing Body fostering a positive school culture.

At Swinnow Primary School, we are proud to offer:

  • Enthusiastic and engaged children who are full of character, love to learn, and are taught to show respect and consideration for others.
  • A committed, caring and experienced staff team with a passion for raising standards and improving the lives of all children.
  • The opportunity to continue to develop our caring and nurturing ethos and the wide range of opportunities we provide to support pupils’ personal development.
  • Supportive parents and carers who want to be partners in the education of their children.
  • A supportive and pro-active Governing Body who recognise the importance of continued professional development.
  • Outstanding school grounds, including expansive green space, a dedicated outdoor learning area and well-maintained facilities.
  • A well-established local cluster of primary schools who work together at key points throughout the year.

This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate who is passionate about inclusive education, to work in close partnership with an experienced and committed Governing body to lead the next phase of improvement at Swinnow Primary School.

We strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit our school to gain a full understanding of our values, ethos, and vision for the future.

Please contact our School Business Manager, Paula Cusack, to arrange an appointment: recruitment@swinnowprimary.com.   

School visit dates:

  • w/c 23 March 2026
  • w/c 30 March 2026

Alternative days may also be available.

Key Dates:

  • Closing date for applications: Friday 17th April 2026 (12 noon)
  • Shortlisting: Tuesday 21st April 2026
  • Assessment Day & Interviews: Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th April 2026 (shortlisted candidates will be required to attend in person)

 

For an application pack, please email:  educ.headteacher@leeds.gov.uk

 

Swinnow Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. References will be sought for shortlisted candidates prior to interview.  Appointments made are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history, and an on-line search will be conducted. This includes only information publicly available on-line. 

 

Swinnow Primary School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.