Welcome, and thank you for your interest in our Headteacher opportunity
Dear Applicant,
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in our exciting Headteacher opportunity. We hope that the information we have provided encourages you to make an application to our warm, welcoming and successful school.
Time spent at primary school is an important part of a child’s education. At Settrington All Saints Church of England Primary School we look to develop a strong and fruitful partnership between school, home and church. We want our children to grow up to be thoughtful, caring, and responsible individuals with lively, enquiring minds and a good foundation of knowledge, skills and practical abilities.
We are proud of the Christian values that are a part of everything we do, with an emphasis on the importance of love for each other. We want everyone in our school to be happy, fulfilled and valued as an individual.
We are also very proud to be one of only two small schools nationally with designated “Research School” status. As the designated Research School for the North Yorkshire coastal area, we are passionate about improving opportunities and educational outcomes for all pupils.
We are invested in preparing our children for secondary schools with positive memories and a firm foundation of skills and knowledge to build on. We now have an exciting opportunity for a new Headteacher to come and lead us into the next chapter of the school.
For an informal, confidential conversation about the role please email Ashley Benford, who has been engaged to support us with recruitment to this key role, or call on 07814 932 389. We would encourage you to come and visit in advance of your application and see for yourself the enthusiasm that our pupils have for their education. Such a visit is not part of the selection process, and whether applicants have visited will not influence the outcome. We would also encourage applicants to have a look at the school website (opens in a new tab) and newsletter (opens in a new tab) to get a feel for our school.
I hope you find the information provided useful and informative and that it will encourage you to apply. On behalf of the governing body, thank you again for your interest in Settrington All Saints Church of England School.
Yours faithfully,
Rev Cate Turner
School Governor
Learn more about our Headteacher opportunity
Post: Headteacher
Number on Roll: 85
Commencing: Sept 2025 / Jan 2026
Salary: L6 – L13 £56,316 - £66,919
Contract Term: Permanent
A Community of Care, Where Every Child Matters
Settrington All Saints CE Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside. As a small village school, we provide a nurturing and safe environment where everybody matters and children are encouraged and challenged to achieve their very best.
Our Opportunity:
This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring leader to lead, shape and further develop our wonderful school. You will be working alongside a committed team of staff and a supportive governing body. This is also a wonderful opportunity to benefit from research and insight into education and provide top quality education thanks to our status as a Research School. The incoming Headteacher will bring new ideas for the future. You will have a have a strong desire to create a happy, successful, and safe environment for all staff and pupils through confident, strategic leadership; possess a strong moral compass; lead by example as an outstanding classroom practitioner; and demonstrate excellent communication and collaboration skills.
About You:
You will be an ambitious, strategic and collaborative Headteacher or aspiring Headteacher who will embrace our small school community and work well with the Head of the Research School to provide a curriculum that inspires our children. You will commit to improving our school’s academic performance and have the resilience to take on challenges with school budgets and the strategic vision to consider the future of the school and where that will take us.
The Headship of a village school is unique: you have the benefit of getting to know a tight-knit and caring community and can build relationships with each child. Yet the role is diverse and requires a balanced skill set. Teaching will be part of your role along with Headteacher duties and expectations. You will have strong financial capabilities, with a collaborative and proactive approach to pupil, parent and community relationships. You will successfully create and foster a strong and accountable culture to leadership and learning and find new and innovative ways to build on the existing success of the school.
We can offer you:
- A happy and friendly school, with delightful children who respect each other and have a thirst for learning.
- A culture which allows all staff to thrive and develop.
- An opportunity to see the huge potential that exists and the time to make Settrington Primary School a beacon of excellence in primary education.
- Significant levels of support from the Local Authority, Diocese, Governing Board and a staff team who are experienced, committed and passionate about our school.
- A Governing Body committed to providing support on all matters including more sensitive or difficult issues and including the wellbeing of all staff members.
For an informal, confidential conversation about the role please call Ashley on 07814 932 389 or email. Ashley has been engaged to support us with recruitment to this exciting opportunity.
Key dates
Visits
We strongly recommend that you visit us so we can share with you why we are so proud of our school, and you will have the opportunity to see what we have to offer. If you would like the opportunity to visit, please email Ashley.
Application closing date: Midnight on Monday 5th May 2025
Shortlisting: Thursday 8th May 2025
Interviews: Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th May 2025
Information About Our School
Settrington All Saints Church of England Primary School is a small rural school approximately 5 miles from the market town of Malton in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire. Settrington is an ancient village in the historic landscape of the Howardian Hills (an area of outstanding natural beauty). Our setting makes the village a popular destination for walkers and cyclists and proximity to the A64 provides good transport links to the rest of the county. There are good libraries and recreational facilities as well, but these do require a car.
Our pupils, who are predominantly white British, are drawn from a broad geographic area with many families travelling from other school catchment areas to attend our school. Settrington is designated a ‘settlement’ – so future local housing developments are possible. Planning proposals are being considered for new housing estate in the nearby town of Norton including a 240 FTE Primary School.
As a Research School, we have a role in supporting a school-led system as part of a committed and growing network across the region. We work collaboratively with other research schools and system leaders to support the use of evidence-based practice in schools, with a particular interest in supporting disadvantage in small schools.
To Love, to Serve – A Settrington child is part of a family
For many, a key attraction of Settrington Primary is its small size. We choose to be small, and it allows us to continue to create a safe and nurturing environment whilst still challenging our children to achieve their very best.
Our Pupils
To Love, to Serve – A Settrington child is an individual
Our children are bright, happy, energetic and confident, we are proud to have them as representatives for our school.
Ofsted recognised this in their last inspection: Pupils are confident, happy, and proud to be part of the school family. They treat each other and all adults with respect and courtesy. They listen to teachers and behave well in lessons. Behaviour in the playground can, at times, be boisterous. However, pupils are safe here. They are clear about what behaviour is acceptable and what is not. They follow the rules well.
There are few issues reported – no suspensions or exclusions. Attendance is above national average and improving 95.14 (current national 94.5) and persistent absence is significantly lower than national average.
Our Staffing Team
A strength of Settrington All Saints Primary School is the stable presence of the experienced staff. We have staff who are highly trained and many have been with us for a number of years. Our well-regarded Head left recently, presenting opportunities for some of our senior teachers to step up. This vacancy combines the responsibilities of being a Head with teaching and requires someone who will be able to balance both. The incoming Headteacher must be able to work well with staff, bringing the team with them in their vision for the school. Whilst the Headteacher does not line manage the Director of the Research School, the two roles do work closely together, and they will need to take this into account when planning for the future.
Current Structure:
1 Interim Headteacher (with teaching responsibilities)
1 Director of the Research School
4 Teachers with 4 classes (3 with 2 year groups)
12 Teaching Assistants/HLTA/Midday Supervisors
1 School Business Manager
1 Administrator
1 Forest School Teacher
1 School Cook
1 Supply Teacher
Our Governing Body
The governing board exists to make sure that the school is well run, and we benefit from an effective governing body. Our Governing Board currently comprises 8 governors, with one vacancy.
Ofsted recognise: Governors are involved, committed and knowledgeable. They are confident to make strategic decisions to benefit the pupils in the school. They show determination to work with leaders, at all levels, to improve the school further
Find out more about our governing body here (opens in a new tab)
To love and serve
At Settrington All Saints Primary School, Christian values shine through everything we do.
Everyone in our school should be happy, fulfilled and valued as an individual.
Everyone in our community should thrive in a safe environment, challenged and stimulated to achieve their very best.
This is a nurturing school where everyone matters.
An emphasis is placed on the importance of love for each other and being a part of the community. Finding the unique strengths and talents of each person. Focus on the needs of the pupils.
Learning at Settrington All Saints Church of England Primary School
To Love, to Serve – A Settrington child is a high achiever
In recent years, a lot has been done to improve the curriculum in all subjects. Curriculum overviews have been put in place to ensure our teachers know how learning will build over time and what overarching topics will be taught, each term, in all classes.
We organise the curriculum coverage in our school around themes which change on a termly basis, on a four year rolling program. This plan covers a range of history, geography, science and Christian values such as love and ensures we cover all aspects of the national curriculum.
Themes are used to inspire the children and provide a purpose for their work, though our long term plan ensures we still cover all areas of the National Curriculum and EYFS.
We made important decisions about how maths is taught from the early years and then built on across the school, which had seen an improvement in the curriculum for the subject. Pupils are taught maths in single year groups to ensure that they can access the learning and achieve success. There are also external experts available to offer support.
Read more about our curriculum and our 4 year plan for the school here (opens in a new tab)
Wellbeing of Staff and Pupils
To Love, to Serve – A Settrington child is nurtured in faith
The spiritual, social, cultural and moral welfare of our pupils, whatever their background, is of prime concern to us as a school. However, Christian values are definitely built into our ethos and teaching and are reflected in the cycle of themes on which our daily acts of worship are based.
Ofsted recognise: One parent accurately described the school as a ‘sanctuary of kindness, consideration and inclusivity.’
Relationships with parents, carers and the local community
As a village school we recognise the part we play in our local community and that we have impact in villages beyond our own, across a broad socio-economic family community. A real strength is the connections with our parent body, local church, wider diocese and local schools. These are secure and remain so despite change in Headteacher. Communication with the community will be key for our new Headteacher.
Ofsted recognise: Parents are supportive of the school. They value the wraparound care and after-school activities that their children can access. Many describe the school as ‘fantastic’, ‘caring’ and supportive’
Our core Christian values are to love and to serve and these, together with other Christian values, drive our curriculum and are embedded within every aspect of school life. All children attend daily acts of collective worship. Collective Worship is organised on a whole school basis, and is led by staff, visitors and the pupils themselves. We foster close links with our parish church by having services each term, and by inviting clergy of other denominations into school on a regular basis to lead worship.
Relationship with LA
Settrington works in partnership with Local Authority Advisers and has a good positive relationship with its SEA.
Wider networks
We also have strong links through partnership working - previous work with English hub and visits; maths hub through the research school; music hub – visiting musicians; working with local schools in pods. We are involved in a Headteacher well-being group and are joining the Howardian Alliance which is being relaunched.
The incoming Headteacher will also have support from a Headteacher mentor, LA Adviser and the school Governors.
Ofsted
Our last Ofsted report, in 2023, saw us rated “Good”
What the school does well:
- Pupils experience a broad and balanced curriculum offer. The school takes care to ensure that pupils in the mixed-aged classes access learning at an age-appropriate level.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are carefully assessed, and bespoke learning programmes are put in place to support them to achieve. This is carefully planned to help these pupils move back onto the mainstream curriculum when they are ready.
- All pupils read, in class or individually, every day. The school has carefully chosen ambitious texts for pupils to explore and analyse.
- In Reception, children are introduced to phonics from the first week in school. This programme continues into Key Stage 1. Pupils who are finding reading difficult, including those with SEND, are given extra support to catch up.
Areas for Improvement:
- In some subjects the precise knowledge that the school wants children to know and remember is not clearly established in the school’s curriculum. Ambition for the pupil’s learning is set at an achievable rather than an aspirational level.
- The school must ensure that staff plan learning which meets the varying needs of all pupils and supports them to build their knowledge progressively over time in all subjects.
- Some pupils do not secure early reading skills quickly enough. The phonics programme should be adapted to meet the needs of all children and ensure that pupils who find reading challenging receive swift support.
SIAMS
Our last SIAMs inspection took place in October 2023
SIAMS areas of strength:
- Inspired by their vision 'love one another as yourself', leaders actively create a school culture of inclusion and equity. Settrington is a very nurturing school where everyone is valued for who they are. The mental health and wellbeing of everyone is given the highest regard.
- Carefully chosen partnerships and opportunities, in line with the vision and context of the school enable both staff and pupils to flourish.
- Well planned religious education (RE) ensures a sequenced and balanced curriculum. It develops a good knowledge of major religions and Christianity as a global faith.
- Pupils benefit from the many extra-curricular activities and trips to broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world beyond their local community.
SIAMs areas for development:
- To embed a shared understanding of spirituality across school as a means of fostering pupil personal development.
- To further develop pupils’ role in worship – and empower them to engage in spontaneous prayer and reflection.
- To deepen community links to expand pupil skill in challenging injustice and courageous advocacy locally and globally.
You can read more about our Ofsted and SIAMs inspections here (opens in a new tab)
Pupil achievement, attainment and progress
Analysis of year end July 2024:
Average number of ELGs, phonics, writing ex+ and RWM combined higher standard are all above or in-line with national outcomes. Phonics, RWM combined higher standard, writing at greater depth and GPS higher standard have all shown an upward trajectory. However, GLD is below national as are all KS2 outcomes except writing ex+ and RWM combined at the higher standard.
Priorities for improvement – Reading and maths ex+ outcomes and reading higher
standards outcomes demonstrate a 3-year decline (maths ex+: -28.4% points;
reading ex+: -16.4% points; reading higher standard: -21% points)
Budget position
The school faces financial pressures, it is in a good place now, but this will need close monitoring and management. Capital allowance from a project was used to cross-fund and subsidise staff numbers and experience costs. Loss of that project or need to treat separately would require some significant changes. The new Headteacher will need to understand and have experience of managing school finances effectively.
Short and Mid-term Priorities
- Focus is on delivering the current school model well with some relatively minor infrastructure updates to support a class/year reorganisation.
- Secure staffing structure with a substantive Head.
- New assessment materials and MIS software to allow pupil progress and achievement to be more easily tracked.
- Reverse downward trend in Maths and Reading attainment.
- Address H&S/ Safeguarding issues identified in recent audit (fencing/ gates/CPOMs).
- Consider class reconfiguration of classrooms to allow Nursery/ Reception, Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 class profiles.
Strategic Priorities
Limitations of premises will be a future challenge – being in a conservation area and making best use of the space we have.
Long term Ambitions
- To maintain Research School status.
- To refine the curriculum intent in all subjects to ensure academic standards are consistently at or above national average.
- Collaboration/ Federation/ Academisation is a future consideration. We want to preserve the character of the school but ensure we have the resilience to do this. It will be up to the Head teacher in consultation with the governors to decide if we go down a Federation/Academisation route and what will be the right path for our school.
Leaders and staff work with York Diocese to develop a shared understanding of Spirituality and how this can be woven into the school’s provision.
York Diocesan Board of Education supports 123 Church of England schools and academies in the area from the Humber to the Tees. We have a dedicated team of professionals who offer a wide range of expertise and can help schools access further assistance.
The Education team aims to:
- Be available as a ‘one-stop shop’ for pastoral and professional support;
- Work with a range of agencies to promote school improvement;
- Promote excellence and Christian distinctiveness;
- Provide and facilitate professional development and governor training;
- Help schools and academies network, collaborate together and share best practice;
- Offer a Total Property Management scheme in association with DBE Services Ltd;
- Guide schools on matters concerning trusts;
- Work with schools exploring Academy conversion;
- Involvement in recruitment processes for new Headteachers/Heads of School;
- Support Headteacher appraisal;
- Represent Church of England education to the wider church community and more widely to the public;
- Maintain contact with the local authorities and the Regional Directors at the DfE.
The Rt Revd Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby and Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education, said:
“Supporting children and young people to be all they are called to be is at the heart of who we are as the Diocese of York.
Together with the Church of England as a whole, it is a vision for education which is deeply Christian, with Jesus' promise of 'life in all its fullness' at its heart, and as such is for the common good of the whole community. It is a holistic vision, where education, like the faith in which it is rooted, is about wisdom, knowledge and skills, but also about hope and aspiration, about how we live well together in community with dignity and respect for all.
Of course a vision this encompassing is only possible by working in partnership, both between teachers, staff, trusts and governors, and in developing ever closer links between schools, churches and households. By working closely together we can achieve far more than apart. I am delighted that you are considering applying to be a Headteacher in the Diocese and know that, if appointed, you will join the diocesan family of schools dedicated to supporting you as you lead deeper into this vision so that together all our schools and communities can be places where the love of God is reflected through all we are.”
Mari Palmer, Diocesan Director of Education, said:
”As a diocese, we are here to help celebrate and strengthen the Christian ethos in our schools. We understand that each school is unique and our aim is to get to know our schools on an individual basis in order to foster the local parish and community links as far as possible.
As such, our Education Team offers a range of support to our headteachers from both a school distinctiveness and effectiveness point of view, as well as providing a range of training and development opportunities for staff and governors to access over the course of each year. In a rapidly changing educational landscape, we are more and more involved in wider school development, particularly as schools change from one school status to another.
I do hope that you feel able to apply for the position and we would look forward to welcoming you as part of our diocesan family here in the Diocese of York”.
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and one of the most rural. The area comprises the Yorkshire Dales (opens in a new tab) and North York Moors (opens in a new tab), three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a stunning coastline around Scarborough and Whitby. There are ruined castles and abbeys, serene gardens, unique breweries, thrilling rides and industrial heritage. The area hosted the phenomenal Tour de France ‘Grand Depart’ in 2014 and has since created the Tour de Yorkshire, an annual event with global recognition. Our success in supporting these events led to Harrogate hosting the UCI Cycling World Championships in 2019.
North Yorkshire has plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast. From the hard gritstone of Almscliff and Brimham rocks to the limestone of Malham, Gordale and Kilnsey climbing venues are in abundance. The Yorkshire Dales is the premier area for caving and for mountain biking; there are the bridleways of the Dales and North York Moors as well as the renowned trail centre at Dalby Forest. There are a small number of sailing clubs on reservoirs around the county and fantastic surfsport venues and sea kayaking on the east coast.
While the county is rightly known for its wide open spaces, it also incorporates attractive market towns including Pickering and Helmsley, traditional seaside towns, the Spa town of Harrogate and the ancient city of York - the most visited city outside of London. There are a wide range of shopping, leisure and cultural facilities as well as excellent schools, universities, road and rail links, there really is everything to offer you and your family as a place to work, live and enjoy!
Travelling further afield we have convenient connectivity, with close proximity to metropolitan cities of Leeds and Newcastle, with little over two hours commute on the main train line to London. We border the Lake District, Lancashire, County Durham, and Yorkshire & Humber regions with all they have to offer.
Information About Application and Guidance
When applying please consider the following supporting documents:
Download Person Specification - Headteacher (.docx) [163 KB] (opens in a new tab)
Download Job Description - Headteacher (.docx) [91 KB] (opens in a new tab)
Application guidance, including policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders
The supporting information section of your application should clearly evidence your ability to meet the requirements we have outlined in the person specification. This will be used to shortlist applicants for this role and therefore it is imperative that you provide evidence as requested.
References
When completing your application, please provide two employment referees.
Your application plays an important part in your selection. As part of the application process, you may have been asked to demonstrate within this application form how you meet some or all of the criteria or key competencies outlined in the person specification. The supporting information section of your application should clearly evidence your ability to meet these requirements. This will be used to shortlist applicants for this role and therefore it is imperative that you provide evidence as requested. Rather than simply repeating your career history, look at the skills and experience required by the job and provide evidence that you possess them by giving specific and detailed examples which include a focus on outcomes and on your own contribution to the scenario. Try to use different and varied examples wherever possible.
When completing these sections, do not forget the skills and experience you have gained outside full-time work. Outlining your previous work experience or other responsibilities may help you to uncover skills which you have taken for granted and which are clear signs of your ability to do the job.
Should you require the application form in a different format, please contact Resourcing Solutions.
Canvassing
Should your application be for a local authority school, you must not try to influence an elected Council Member, any council employee or a member of the school governing body, to act in your favour, as this will disqualify you. If you are related to a Councillor, a Council employee or a governor you must indicate this in the relevant section of the application form.
Data Protection
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies and process applications on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Further information on how we process your data can be found by reading our privacy notice.
Rehabilitation of Offenders
The post you are applying for requires you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children, with a barred list check if you work in regulated activity. This check for disclosure of criminal history will include spent convictions, pending prosecutions / current court proceeding and police enquiries.
Should you be shortlisted, you will be asked to disclose full details of your criminal history prior to your interview. This includes any information deemed relevant as part of Keeping Children Safe in Education which may arise in an online search undertaken on shortlisted candidates. This information may be discussed with you at your interview in order to assess job related risks, but we emphasise that your application will be considered on merit and ability and you will not be discriminated against unfairly. Failure to disclose this information will result in any offer of employment being withdrawn.
Please also see the policy statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders below.
Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders (Source www.gov.uk)
- As an organisation assessing applicants’ suitability for positions which are included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order using criminal record checks processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), this school complies fully with the DBS code of practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly.
- This school undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a criminal record check on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed.
- This school can only ask an individual to provide details of convictions and cautions that it is legally entitled to know about. Where a DBS certificate can legally be requested (where the position is one that is included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) order 1975 as amended, and where appropriate Policy Act Regulations as amended) this school can only ask an individual about convictions and cautions that are not protected.
- This school is committed to the fair treatment of its staff and potential staff, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependents, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.
- This school has this written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, which is made available to all DBS applicants at the start of the recruitment process.
- This school actively promotes equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. Candidates are selected for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience and criminal record information is only requested from short-listed candidates.
- A disclosure is only requested from the DBS after a thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned. For those positions where a criminal record check is identified as necessary, all application forms, job adverts and recruitment briefs will contain a statement that a DBS certificate will be requested in the event of the individual being offered the position.
- This school ensures that all those who are involved in the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences.
- This school also ensures that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- At interview, or in a separate discussion, this school ensures that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.
- This school makes every subject of a criminal record check submitted to DBS aware of the existence of the code of practice and makes a copy available on request.
- This school undertakes to discuss any matter revealed on a DBS certificate with the individual seeking the position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.
References
When completing your application, please provide two employment referees. One of these must be from your most recent employer.
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We have a robust child protection and safeguarding policy. and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment at the school. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Please note this post is in regulated activity and exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS criminal records and barred list check for work with children. An online search may be undertaken as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.