East Sussex County Council
Executive Headteacher (The Skylark Federation)
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Executive Headteacher
The Governing Board of Skylark Federation are seeking to recruit a new Executive Headteacher to lead the Federation into the next exciting stage of its development. This is an exceptional executive leadership opportunity for an ambitious, forward-thinking leader who is committed to making a lasting difference in rural education.
We are an established Federation of four distinctive rural primary schools clustered around Lewes in East Sussex: Barcombe, Hamsey, Plumpton and Iford and Kingston. While each of our four settings maintains its own distinct identity, ethos, and community character, coming together as a Federation gives us the strength, scale, and financial resilience of a much larger institution.
About the Role
The new Executive Headteacher will provide strategic and professional leadership to shape the Federation's further development and drive improvement in the educational experience and outcomes for all our pupils.
Why Work with Us?
Our Federation offers a challenging but rewarding opportunity to lead small rural schools that serve close-knit communities where relationships are strong, and families are deeply invested. We are proud of the inclusive ethos shared across all schools and of the distinctive Christian character of our Church schools, which enriches the life of the Federation.
Working with us means leading schools that are ambitious for their pupils despite the familiar challenges of rural settings; fluctuating pupil numbers and increasing financial pressures. We are looking for a leader who can think creatively and strategically, ensuring sustainability while protecting the high standards, rich curriculum, and strong pastoral care our communities value.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
You will join committed staff teams who care deeply about their pupils and take pride in their schools. Our governors are supportive, engaged, and determined to secure the best possible future for the Federation. We have strong partnerships with the Diocese, local authority, and neighbouring schools, and we welcome leaders who can strengthen these relationships further.
This is a role where your leadership will be visible, valued, and influential. You will have the opportunity to shape the long-term direction of the Federation, develop future leaders, and build resilient systems that allow our schools to thrive. If you are motivated by community, collaboration, and the chance to make a profound difference, our Federation will be a fulfilling and inspiring place to work.
How to Apply
To arrange a visit or to have an informal, confidential conversation with the governors, please contact the Federation Clerk on governor@skylarkfed.education.
We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how your vision can shape our future.
Important Information
This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.
The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.
The Skylark Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Additional Information
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.
All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location