Acting Head of School

Overview

Leadership Scale L7 - L11 - Salary Range: £60,145 to £66,368

Location: Rolph Church of England Primary School & Nursery, Thorpe-le-Soken

Are you an inspiring leader ready to shape the future of a vibrant and inclusive school community? Rolph Church of England Primary School & Nursery, part of the Vine Schools Trust, is seeking an Acting Head of School to lead with vision, compassion, and excellence. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a school rooted in Christian values and committed to empowering all to flourish.

The Vine Schools Trust is a Church of England multi-academy trust comprising 21 primary schools. As part of the Diocese of Chelmsford, our mission is to inspire and support every child to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. Our vision and values are rooted in our strong Christian ethos, where we Empower All to Flourish, Deliver Ambition, Celebrate Uniqueness, Develop Faith, and Serve Local Communities.

What we are looking for

• Provide professional leadership and management to promote high standards in all areas of school life.
• Uphold and lead the Christian ethos of the school, including acts of collective worship and inclusion.
• Foster a culture of excellence, equality, and high expectations for pupils and staff.
• Lead teaching and learning, ensuring a creative, inclusive, and responsive approach to education.
• Manage the organisation effectively, ensuring a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Strengthen community partnerships and promote the school's role within the parish and wider Vine Trust.
• Support staff development and performance management, including mentoring Early Career Teachers and managing support staff.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and uphold safeguarding responsibilities.

What we offer

• A collaborative culture, sharing best practices across the Trust
• A dedicated and friendly team passionate about our school
• A warm, nurturing environment with a strong Christian ethos
• A supportive leadership team and governors
• Continuous professional development and career progression opportunities
• A commitment to staff well-being and work-life balance
• A commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Strong emphasis on pupil development and community engagement
• Access to a range of resources and facilities

School Profile

Rolph Church of England Primary School is a vibrant and inclusive school in the coastal village of Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex. With a warm Christian ethos, the school is dedicated to nurturing confident, respectful, and ambitious learners. It offers a broad, balanced curriculum enriched with creative and cultural experiences. Staff foster high standards through a supportive environment where every pupil can succeed. The school benefits from strong community ties and a village location, offering opportunities for outdoor learning and enrichment. Rolph promotes close working relationships with families and the local church to support holistic development. It is a positive, forward-looking workplace for educators who want to make a meaningful impact. Staff are encouraged to innovate and collaborate within a caring, inclusive community.

Applying for this position is straightforward. Visit the Vine Schools Trust Teacher Recruitment page at Teacher Application to view our recruitment video and complete an online application.

Once you have submitted your application form, you will receive a message confirming that your application has been received.

Visits to the school are welcome and recommended. To book an appointment, or for further information about this vacancy, please contact Nicola Emrich at .

The successful candidate will meet the requirements of the job description and person specification and will be subject to an enhanced DBS Check. The Vine Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Closing Date for Applications: 10 October 2025

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The appointment will be subject to a successful enhanced DBS check and additional pre-employment checks. A full job description and person specification, our Privacy Notice and our Recruitment & Selection Policy Statement are available to view.