Headteacher

Initio Learning Trust is seeking a dynamic and professional Headteacher to lead Bridport, St Mary's CE Primary School into its next chapter of success. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about delivering high-quality education and can empower a whole school community to achieve the highest possible standards., Reporting to: Director of Education
Located in the vibrant market town of Bridport, amidst the stunning landscape of the West Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, St Mary's Church of England Primary School is a place where children truly flourish. We are seeking an exceptional leader to take the helm of our "Good" rated school (Ofsted 2024) and build upon a foundation of academic ambition and deep-rooted pastoral care.
At St Mary's, our vision-"Building a caring community, where all can learn and shine!"-is more than just a motto; it is the heartbeat of our daily life. Inspired by the parable of the mustard seed, we believe that from small beginnings, great things can grow.
Your Core Responsibilities:
As Headteacher, you will provide the strategic leadership necessary to secure continued school improvement. You will be responsible for:
Leading teaching and learning: Raising the quality of classroom practice and ensuring a consistent focus on pupil achievement and progress.
Developing people: Coaching and mentoring staff to identify emerging talent and build a climate of excellence.
Community engagement: Building strong, effective relationships with parents, carers, and the wider community to enrich the lives of our students.
Operational excellence: Managing financial and human resources effectively to meet the school's educational goals.
Inclusion: Develop the inclusion strategy and to further develop the successful inclusion hub (Communication and Interaction).
Safeguarding: Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensuring the highest priority is given to the welfare of children.

We are looking for an experienced leader who can demonstrate:
Proven impact: Evidence of driving rapid and sustained improvement in teaching, learning, and children outcomes.
Visionary leadership: The ability to create a shared vision that motivates students and staff alike with the school's Christian distinctiveness as the foundation.
Integrity: High personal standards of moral integrity and the ability to foster an inclusive culture that challenges inequality.
Communication: Excellent skills in building relationships with staff, children, parents, and local governance.
Collaboration: Desire to work with the school community and wider trust community.
Essential Requirements
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree-level qualification (NPQH is desirable).
Substantial leadership experience in a relevant educational phase.
Thorough understanding of OFSTED/SIAMS frameworks and current national educational priorities.
A deep commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children.

St Mary's is located on the edge of Bridport, just a short walk from West Bay and the beautiful Jurassic coastline! Once located across three sites in the town the current school was opened in 1991 by Dick King Smith. Visitors regularly comment on the friendly, family feel that is tangible when you spend time in the school.
Our vision at St Mary's is to 'build a caring community where all can learn and shine!' We are very blessed to have a highly experienced and dedicated team of staff who care deeply about nurturing and encouraging children to achieve their very best. We aim to work in partnership with parents, to ensure all the children in our care achieve their full potential.
Each child is unique and our staff work together to deliver a broad curriculum with many varied and exciting opportunities to enable children to learn in different ways, achieve their best and develop their talents and abilities. We want children to be proud of, and enthusiastic about, being part of our school., Initio Learning Trust comprises 17 schools across Dorset, with our head office based in Wimborne. Formed in February 2022 from the merger of The Minerva Learning Trust and Wimborne Academy Trust, we offer outstanding education through every stage of schooling, from nursery through to upper sixth form. We believe in enabling every person to thrive within their role, and our core values of Ambition, Collaboration and Respect underpin the pride we take in offering genuine professional development opportunities for all our staff; and in our focus on staff wellbeing.

Why Join Initio Learning Trust?
You will be part of a collaborative trust that values professional development and the wellbeing of its staff. We offer a supportive environment where you can work alongside the Executive Team to develop new ideas and initiatives that shape the future of education in our region.
The Trust offers a welcoming and supportive environment and provides:
a genuine commitment to supporting professional development
a supportive and flexible working environment which offers equal opportunities for all
free onsite parking
access to the local government or teachers pension scheme
a range of employee benefits including Cycle to Work and Health Cash Plan