Headteacher

About the role

Join the Swing Gate Squad!

Are you ready to lead a school with flair and zest? The Governing Body at Swing Gate Infant and Nursery School are looking for their next Headteacher to commence in role from January 2026 or sooner. This is the perfect opportunity for an existing Headteacher or experienced Deputy Headteacher to step into their first Headship role.

Nestled in the heart of Berkhamsted, Swing Gate Infant and Nursery School is not your average infant school. We're a tight-knit community that prides itself on nurturing young minds and creating an environment where curiosity, creativity, and giggles take centre stage. We believe in turning learning into an adventure, and our mission is to make every child's school journey as magical as a storybook and to make every child HAPPY, ACTIVE AND INSPIRED.

We are looking for a special individual who understands and believes in the value of nurture, is an advocate of inclusion and can continue to build upon our ethos of experiential learning. You will have a strong sense of moral purpose with the child being at the centre.  Our new Headteacher will be leading an enthusiastic and hardworking team, who are proud of their school and open to new and creative ideas and who believe in the potential of every child in their care.

You will bring:

• A commitment to inclusivity and a passion for raising standards.
• A desire to maintain and progressively build upon the school’s existing caring and nurturing ethos with the welfare of the children and staff at the heart of everything that we do.
• An ability to support, motivate and inspire staff and to communicate a clear vision and direction for the school.
• A willingness to be a visible, positive, and approachable presence around the school, fostering a collegiate spirit throughout the community.
• A resilient and clear-headed approach which allows for sound and consistent judgement when challenges arise.
• The energy and creativity to drive innovation at the same time as maintaining existing practices that are working effectively.

We can offer:

• Kind and caring children with inquisitive minds and a love for learning

• A dedicated, talented, and hard-working staff

• A supportive group of governors
• CPD opportunities
• Flexible working opportunities

Join Swing Gate Infant School and Nursery, where we don't just educate; we empower. Together, let's shape a future where every child realises their full potential.

We will be delighted to meet you, to show you around and to answer any questions that you may have.  Please make an appointment by contacting the Chair of Governors, Katy Hill via chairofgovs@swinggate.herts.sch.uk 

We welcome joint applications for Co-Headship and would consider a four-day week for the right candidate(s).

Please apply online using the link below or download the attachment and send your completed application form to: leadership.recruitment@hfleducation.org CVs will not be considered.

Please note late applications will not be considered.

Swing Gate Infant School and Nursery 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 Service check as well as other pre-appointment checks, including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2024).

To help us meet our high standards and aspirations of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace, we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply and to join us. We expect all our staff to demonstrate a commitment to advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations.