About This Role
Sandown Primary School and Nursery is seeking to appoint an ambitious and values-driven Headteacher to lead our two-form entry (Group 3) Local Authority maintained school, serving a diverse community in Hastings, East Sussex.
Judged ‘Good’ by OFSTED in January 2025, Sandown is well placed for its next phase of development. We are not part of an academy trust, valuing instead the professional autonomy and local accountability this brings, while working in close partnership with ten local schools through the East Hastings Alliance, supporting collaboration, shared practice and system leadership.
Set within 12 acres of extensive grounds, including a diverse, wooded environment, Sandown provides exceptional opportunities for sport, outdoor learning and our distinctive Sandown Outdoors approach — learning in, about and through our natural environment. This forms a key pillar of our curriculum intent and our commitment to developing children’s Cultural Capital.
We are proud of our experienced, skilled and committed staff team, who work collaboratively to design and deliver a curriculum tailored to the needs of our children. Staff wellbeing and work–life balance are genuine priorities, recognised as essential to sustaining high performance and positive culture.
The Role
The Headteacher will provide strategic, instructional and operational leadership, ensuring that:
A clear and compelling vision for the school is articulated and lived
High-quality teaching and learning are consistently secured
The curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to pupil need
Safeguarding, equality and wellbeing are embedded across the school
Resources, systems and structures are deployed effectively to support impact
Strong relationships with governors, the Local Authority and partner schools are maintained
The Successful Candidate Will:
Demonstrate leadership aligned to the NPQH and Headship Standards
Set and sustain a culture of high expectations, professional trust and continuous improvement
Lead curriculum development that builds knowledge, skills and Cultural Capital
Develop, support and retain staff through effective people and talent management
Use evidence and data intelligently to inform strategic decision-making
Engage confidently with accountability, governance and external stakeholders
Contribute beyond the school through collaboration within the East Hastings Alliance
We Offer:
A well-established Local Authority school with a strong community identity
A committed, experienced staff team open to innovation and professional growth
Extensive outdoor learning provision and a distinctive curriculum offer
Opportunities for system leadership through local partnership working
A supportive governing body and Local Authority
A leadership role where wellbeing and work–life balance are genuinely valued
This is an exciting opportunity for a Headteacher who is passionate about making a difference through high-quality education, inclusive leadership and a belief in the potential of every child.
Please contact the school office to arrange a school visit.
Telephone: 01424 436983
Email: office@sandown.school