Headteacher

Full Time Headteacher With Teaching Commitment (to be negotiated with the successful candidate)

Start Date: 1st April 2026

Welcome to Kirkbride Primary School, where we aim to:

 • Work closely with parents to ensure the learning journey for every child is a successful and fulfilling one.

 • Strive to achieve the highest standards for every child.

 • Provide the children with a safe, secure environment where they can develop a love for learning.

 • Challenge and support children to achieve across all aspects of school life.

 • Work closely with the community and maintain good communication and partnerships with all stakeholders.

 • Ensure the school environment is orderly, well-maintained and offers the children access to the best resources available.

The Governors of Kirkbride Primary School are seeking to appoint an ambitious and inspirational Headteacher for our rural school, which is deeply connected to our community and surrounding areas.

Kirkbride is situated in an area of natural beauty and historical significance, close to the Lake District National Park and the Solway Plain. We seek to appoint a dynamic Headteacher to continue to promote high standards of learning as well as an innovative, creative curriculum which nurtures the whole child. We benefit from an active and supportive local community. We maximise the use of our unique school grounds and surroundings, extending the learning beyond the classroom.

Kirkbride School is proud of its extended provision, out of school activities and active PTA as well as strong links with the consortium of local schools. In 2023 we were rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. Our report from Ofsted stated:

 • pupils enjoy attending this school. Their behaviour is exemplary;

• pupils understand the six school values of trust, friendship, honesty, ambition, respect and kindness. They value the opportunities to demonstrate each value in their everyday lives and through the school celebration assemblies; and

• the curriculum matches the needs and interests of pupils well, and it prepares them for life beyond their own community. 

We would like to hear from you if you will: 

• foster strong relationships with the whole school community;

 • be an approachable, collaborative and inspirational leader; and 

• be passionate and committed to lead on creating a secure, nurturing and stimulating environment for learning which enables children to flourish as enthusiastic, confident and independent learners.

 In return we can offer you:

 • a dedicated, skilled, mutually supportive staff team committed to care for and develop each child;

 • a welcoming school with joyful, enthusiastic children who are keen to learn and are supported by their parents and governors; and

 • our support in your continued professional development. 

Visits to the school by prospective candidates to experience our friendly school community first hand are welcomed. Visits are available with our Vice Chair of Governors on Monday 1st December 2pm, Wednesday 3rd December 9am and Thursday 4th December 4pm. Please contact the school on 016973 51483 or e-mail [email protected] to book.

Kirkbride Primary School is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to screening including an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and also past employment checks. We are an equal opportunities employer. References and a Self-Disclosure Form will be sought prior to interview. In accordance with KCSIE 2025, online searches may be carried out as part of the recruitment process.

To apply, please visit the school website www.kirkbride.cumbria.sch.uk to download the application pack and Cumberland Council application form or email [email protected] .

All completed application forms are to be returned to: [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 9.00am on Friday 9th January 2026

 Shortlisting will take place on Wednesday 14th January 2026

 Interviews will be held on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd January 2026