Headteacher

About the role

Could you lead a school where every child is empowered to succeed and belong?

Imagine stepping into a characterful Edwardian building full of heart, ambition, and purpose - where diversity is celebrated, relationships matter, and learning is both joyful and forward-thinking.

At Parkgate Junior School in North Watford, you’ll join a richly multicultural community with over 30 languages spoken.  Every pupil has access to a Chromebook and to a curriculum that blends tradition with innovation. You’ll get a committed staff team who value autonomy and collaboration, a supportive SLT and governing body, and facilities including a dance stage, outdoor gym, and basketball court. Our ethos - the “Parkgate Family” - runs through everything we do.

As Headteacher, you will:

• Be a visible, emotionally intelligent leader who builds trust through openness and empathy
• Empower staff and foster a culture of collaboration and professional respect
• Lead a responsive, inclusive curriculum that meets the needs of all learners
• Champion pupils with additional and complex needs through creative, personalised support
• Bring energy, resilience, and fresh vision while honouring the school’s strong foundations
• Work closely with SLT and governors to drive strategic improvement
• Engage actively in school life, supporting pupils, staff, and families with consistency and care

If you believe in education that nurtures confidence, curiosity, and community, Parkgate could be your next chapter.

Please note late applications will not be considered.

If you’d like to see our school in action and get a feel for the Parkgate ethos, we warmly invite you to arrange a visit - please  call 01923 243905 or email admin@parkgatejm.herts.sch.uk.

To discuss the role further, please contact our Chair of Governors, Dipesh Patel, at CoG@parkgatejm.herts.sch.uk to arrange a conversation.  For more information visit www.parkgatejm.herts.sch.uk

Please apply on the Teach in Herts website, using the standard online application form. CVs will not be considered. Should you need support, please contact leadership.recruitment@hfleducation.org 

To be considered for shortlisting, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet the essential - and where possible, the desirable - criteria outlined in the Person Specification. 

• Please structure your supporting statement using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, evidence-based examples of your experience and impact.
• If shortlisted, we will assess additional aspects of school leadership - including alignment with the Headteacher Standards and the specific needs of our school - through a series of tasks and a formal interview during the assessment day.

Parkgate Junior School 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 continue to meet our aspirations of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion.