Head Teacher - High Cross Primary SchoolCouncil

Post No. POSN000695 - Headteacher

In partnership with parents and the community, the Governing Body of High Cross Primary School is seeking a visionary and inspirational Head Teacher to lead our happy and vibrant school. Our school moto is “Gyda'n gilydd, rydyn ni'n tyfu a serennu - Together we grow and shine”. As Head Teacher, you will be leading a dedicated and passionate team, providing professional leadership to ensure the school continues its improvement journey, to deliver high-quality education for all pupils.

High Cross Primary School is an English-medium, community-maintained school which provides education for children aged between 3 years and 11 and sits within the highly effective Bassaleg cluster of primary schools, but within easy travelling distance of Cardiff, Newport, Bristol and the Heads of Valley Road to the North. We are looking for an inspirational Head Teacher who will thrive on the opportunity of being instrumental in the leadership of High Cross Primary School.

Being a part of High Cross Primary and Bassaleg cluster of highly effective schools means we are leading school improvement transformation in partnership with the local authority. We are seeking to appoint a Head Teacher who can take the school to the ‘next level’ and beyond, actively supporting new and exciting projects which will continue to develop leaders at all levels and some of the best pedagogy in Wales.

The Governing Body are committed to appointing a Head Teacher who:

- Is outward looking, seeking new and innovative practice from high performing schools in the city and across Wales, whilst also using High Cross Primary as a vehicle to share identified effective practice with others.
- Aligns, demonstrates and promotes the values and dispositions of the Professional Standards for teaching and leadership in Wales
- Is an innovative leader, able to engage with curriculum reform (with our forward thinking cluster of schools) and design a curriculum to meet the needs of all learners
- Is highly motivated with a vision that ensures the school becomes an excellent centre for education
- Has excellent leadership and management experience with clear examples of their impact at whole school level and beyond.
- It is highly inclusive and has a track record of effectively supporting all groups of vulnerable learners.
- Is forward thinking, imaginative and visionary, and able to develop an effective learning environment fit for now and in the future.
- Is an excellent team worker, who is able to inspire and work alongside other senior leaders.
- Has a track record of developing leadership at all levels ensuring capacity and succession planning is central to School Development Planning.
- Has proven ability to lead, challenge and empower children and professional colleagues through effective school self-evaluation and improvement processes
- Has experience of successful day to day management of a school and strategic planning
- Has resilience, energy, flexibility and enthusiasm.
- Understands the importance of highly effective parental engagement.
- Will work alongside the Governing Body and local authority to ensure there is a two-way flow of open and honest communication and governance.

In return we can offer:

- A strong sense of community within our school and cluster
- A strong commitment to professional learning
- A school with high aspirations and a genuine opportunity to make a significant difference at pace within the school
- An opportunity to help shape the future of teaching and learning and raising standards
- A dedicated and supportive team of professional staff and governors
- A commitment to high standards of well-being for all

The Governing Body and Local Authority are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We would like the successful candidate to commence employment from after the Christmas break; 1st January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter (pending safeguarding recruitment checks whilst taking into consideration recommended notice periods).

To apply for this position please visit our website: www.newport.gov.uk/jobs
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification within the job advert, as outlined in the School Teacher’s Pay and Conditions (Wales) Document 2025.

Key dates:
- Closing Date for applications 16th November 2026 at 11.59pm
- Shortlisting will take place on 20th November 2026
- Proposed dates for in person interviews are 30th November 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the school week commencing 23rd November 2026 (date to be arranged after shortlisting).
We are obliged to ask you to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to provide appropriate documents such as your full birth certificate/passport/work permit in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and a comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants. This will include an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We welcome applications for all our jobs in either Welsh or English. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English

Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population it serves and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented in the city. Selection will be based on the ability and skills required to undertake the role.

Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for the right to work. Applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.

Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for right to work. In applying for a vacancy, applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.

Our values – Fairness for all, Making a difference, Being responsible, Working together
Ein gwerthoedd – Ein Gwerthoedd, Tegwch i Bawb, Gwneud Gwahaniaeth, Bod yn Gyfrifol, Gweithio gyda'n gilydd

Position type: Full time