Salary: L16-L21

Closing date: 8^th February 2026

Interviews:  16th -26th March 2026

Following the retirement of our long-standing Headteacher, the Governing Body is seeking an exceptional leader to build on the outstanding practice of our unique and highly respected maintained nursery school and continue its evolution.

Since 1946, our school has been at the heart of the local community. We are immensely proud of our history and of being continually rated outstanding by Ofsted since 2008.  We recognise that excellence requires constant evolution – our new Headteacher will work in collaboration with all stakeholders to further develop and implement the vision and strategic direction rooted in our school ethos, values and the founding principles of standalone nursery education. The school is situated in an area of high need, with over 60% of our children being eligible for free school meals. 40% of our children require additional support with their learning.

Our children and families enrich our school with a broad range of languages and cultures. We place a very strong emphasis on providing a nurturing and inclusive environment that is genuinely welcoming to everyone. This diversity – reflected across our children, families, staff and governors – creates a cohesive and supportive community that mirrors and celebrates the wider area we serve.

We are particularly proud of our inclusive practice and our commitment to continuously developing our expertise. Our provision provides exemplary support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring every child has an excellent start to their education. Our new Headteacher will champion this ethos of equity, always serving in the best interests of all children and ensuring that every child, regardless of need, makes outstanding progress.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the few remaining maintained nursery schools – a setting with a unique character, a rich heritage, and an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality early years education.

The successful candidate will have,

• Significant leadership experience that has included impacting on and improving outcomes for children aged 2-5 years old, with a proven track record of effective SEN leadership within an Early Years SEN resource base provision.
• The ability to champion an ethos of equity, ensuring every child, regardless of need, makes outstanding progress through a dedication to promoting children’s development and learning through play.
• Excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), SEND Code of Practice, and current Ofsted requirements.
• In-depth understanding of inclusive practice and strategies for narrowing the attainment gap.
• Experience of Safeguarding and Child Protection duties, as Deputy Safeguarding Officer or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development, particularly in early years, SEND, and safeguarding.
• Strong ability to lead, motivate and develop staff teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, including being welcoming, approachable and empathetic.
• A passion for and belief in constructive relationships with children, families, staff and external partners to achieve the best outcomes for all children.
• Competence in managing budgets and resources efficiently.
• The ability to maintain the warm, welcoming and family-like feel of the school.

What we can offer you,

Professional support and development

• A dedicated mentor for your first year of Headship.
• Access to a network of experienced and supportive heads within the Maintained Nursery Schools and RBKC Schools Partnerships.
• A commitment to your ongoing professional development and wellbeing.

Strong foundations for leadership

• A supportive and effective Governing Body who will work in partnership with you.
• An experienced, hardworking and welcoming staff team.

A thriving school community

• An amazing school community with wonderful children and supportive families.
• A warm, welcoming and family-like environment.
• The opportunity to lead a school that truly values inclusion and equality, where every child can thrive.

A visit to the school in advance of application is strongly recommended.

To book a visit, please contact Vanessa Finn on 0208 968 5622 or via email vanessa.finn@golborne.rbkc.sch.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Golborne & Maxilla Nursery School is an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. We expect all staff, students, volunteers and Governors to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Offers of appointment will be conditional on a satisfactory outcome of the following checks: (where relevant) childcare disqualification Enhanced Disclosure and Barring service (DBS), medical, online and social media, prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references on suitability to work with children.

You must tell us about any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, (Exceptions) Order 1975.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we reserve the right to conduct the relevant checks as part of our due diligence and to share any pertinent information found concerning a candidate’s suitability to work with children with the panel, to be discussed at the interview stage.

The successful candidate must meet the requirements of the Person Specification to be offered the post.

To apply click here: https://teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/jobs/head-teacher-golborne-maxilla-nursery-school