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We are a multicultural, fully inclusive Church of England school with a vibrant and creative community of learners. Our exciting location at the heart of Bristol offers opportunities for creativity and exploration. We are a friendly and supportive team with a Christian ethos, that works closely together to achieve the best for every child.

Headteacher Vacancy – Willow Park C of E Primary School
Salary: Leadership Scale – L7–L13
Start Date: September 2025
Location: Bristol

Are you a values-driven, community-minded leader ready to shape the future of a deeply cherished school in the heart of Bristol? Willow Park C of E Primary School is looking for a passionate and committed Headteacher to lead our school on its journey of improvement, inclusion, and renewal. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced or first-time Headteacher to make a lasting difference—supported by The Leaf Trust and rooted in a strong, caring community.

Why Choose Willow Park C of E Primary School?

Willow Park is a small, welcoming, and truly unique school. As a recognised School of Sanctuary, we are committed to being a safe and nurturing place for all children and their families, especially those who are seeking sanctuary or have English as an additional language. We are proud that our school celebrates diversity in all its forms. Though a Church of England school, the majority of our children come from other world faiths. We seek a leader who values and embraces this diversity—someone who will actively foster a sense of belonging for every child and family.

Our school is currently on an exciting journey of improvement. The most recent Ofsted monitoring visit (January 2025) recognised the rapid progress being made. Under new leadership and with support from The Leaf Trust, we have:

Re-established a strong vision and sense of shared purpose among staff, pupils and governors
Improved the teaching of phonics, reading and mathematics, ensuring greater consistency and coherence
Raised expectations for pupil behaviour, resulting in calm, focused classrooms and a positive learning climate
Developed effective support for pupils with English as an additional language, with tailored induction and rapid reading support

We are honest about the work ahead—but we are proud of the strong foundations now in place and committed to long-term, sustainable improvement.

Why This Role is Unique

This is not just a Headship; it’s an opportunity to lead a transformational journey in a school with immense potential and a vital role in its community. Willow Park is moving into The Leaf Trust, a respected and dynamic primary-only multi-academy trust that will provide exceptional support and professional development. The Trust’s “Belong, Grow, Succeed” ethos aligns perfectly with our vision.

As our new Headteacher, you will:

Lead with warmth and visibility—on the gate each day, connecting with children and families with care and compassion
Build on the progress already made, while shaping the next chapter of our journey with vision and tenacity.
Be our HeadTEACHER and lead the development of teaching and learning with expertise.
Be a powerful advocate for children—especially those who are vulnerable, new to English, or facing barriers
Be part of a team that nurtures, grows and supports its leaders, making this an ideal first Headship within a collaborative Trust

Willow Park offers rich rewards—the chance to lead a community that truly matters, where your work will have a visible and profound impact.

What Willow Park Offers

Wonderful and engaging children who are keen to learn!
Dedicated and skilled staff team
Experienced and supportive governors
A city centre location with access to the city’s many resources (with car parking!)
A supportive and strong relationship with The Diocese of Bristol

What The Leaf Trust Offers

A strong network of experienced, values-led leaders
Ongoing coaching, development, and leadership programmes
Weekly support from the executive team
Expert support in finance, HR, curriculum and inclusion
Opportunities to contribute to Trust-wide initiatives
A culture of kindness, continuous improvement, and collaboration

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

Is passionate about serving the community and building relationships with families of all faiths and backgrounds
Has a strong understanding of inclusive practice, particularly for children with English as an additional language
Has a proven track record of leading improvement and raising outcomes
Can inspire and support a dedicated staff team
Embodies the values of Love, Inclusivity, Generosity, Hope and Tenacity (our LIGHT values)

Visits and Informal Chats

We strongly encourage visits to Willow Park to meet our wonderful children and see our community in action. Informal conversations can also be arranged with the CEO or Director of Education of The Leaf Trust, either in person or virtually.

How to Apply

Please find below the Candidate Pack, Job Description and Person Specification. Please contact the school office for an Application Form at office@willowpark.org.uk.

To apply, please submit the application form with a supporting statement (maximum two pages, font size 11) to office@willowpark.org.uk , outlining:

Your leadership experience and impact
Your values and educational philosophy
How you have grown others and built capacity
The difference your leadership has made to children’s outcomes

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 6th May 2025, 12 midday
Interviews: Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th May 2025

For questions or to arrange a visit, please email office@willowpark.org.uk or call 01179 030434

Join us at Willow Park C of E Primary School—lead with heart, vision, and purpose. Together, let’s shape a school that shines as a sanctuary of hope and learning.