Assistant Headteacher - Full-time

Smarden Primary School, Ashford

• Ref:KCC886-2288-106L
• Posted:27/03/2026
• Pay:Leadership Scale L1 £52,534 - L3 £55,194
• Start Date:Immediate
• App Close Date:11/05/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:18.05.2026

Advert

(Y)Our Opportunity

Are you an inspiring and ambitious leader ready to take the next step in your career?

Smarden Primary School is a warm, welcoming, school set in a stunning village. With 174 pupils from age 2-11, a friendly community and part of a fantastic trust, we pride ourselves on creating a nurturing environment where both children and staff thrive.

We are now seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join our dedicated and supportive team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our school. You will work closely with the Headteacher to drive school improvement, lead and develop teaching and learning across the school, and inspire both staff and pupils to achieve their very best. The role includes a class teaching commitment of 3 days per week, alongside 1.5 days of dedicated leadership time and 0.5 days PPA.

This is a rare opportunity in a key leadership role within the trust, and will provide an excellent platform for further promotion.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Is a passionate and highly effective classroom practitioner with experience in KS1 and KS2
• Has proven leadership experience and the ability to motivate and develop others
• Is committed to high standards, inclusion and pupil wellbeing
• Has experience of strong teaching and learning

Visits to the school are strongly encouraged prior to making your application. Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment and see our welcoming environment for yourself.

Investing in our employees wellbeing and career development is a priority for us, we can offer you:

• Excellent ongoing CPD, career development and vast promotion opportunities across the trust
• Coaching and mentoring from the academy’s experienced leadership team
• A comprehensive induction programme
• Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to a work life

balance

• The opportunity to be part of exciting development and innovative change
• Access to trust resources and materials to help plan and deliver great lessons

• Cycle to work scheme 
• Free eye tests              
• Employee Assistance Programme - free & confidential advice on a variety of subjects ranging from physical and mental health to financial help

Information about the school

About Smarden Primary School

Smarden Primary School currently has 174 students from age 2-11 years. Smarden prides itself on high expectations for all in every aspect of school life, on achievement and excellence built on strong foundations of wellbeing. We are proud of our caring and nurturing family atmosphere, which is seen as integral to school life and where pupils feel safe; Staff know each individual child and build strong relationships with every family, so that children are fully included and well-supported both academically and pastorally, to find out more visit our website here.

To discover what makes Smarden so incredible, please arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 01233770316 or email office@smarden-tkat.org

About TKAT

The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) is one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the South & East of England with 45 Primary and Secondary Academies in the TKAT Family. Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership and learning for all. Within the #oneTKATfamily, the shared and common purpose is to work together as a community of schools to ensure that every child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education. We place a high value on collaboration; ‘achieving more together’, giving staff the opportunity to come together and learn, ensuring a shared sense of purpose across our network and by sharing expertise across the TKAT family.

We have a flexible approach to interviews and can offer a range of dates and times to suit your personal circumstances.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications.

Safeguarding

TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

Flexible working

TKAT recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.

Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging

At TKAT, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Access to interview

Be Who You Are at TKAT - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mrs Speight
• Address:Pluckley Road, Smarden, Ashford, Kent, TN27 8ND
• Telephone: 01233 770316
• Email: office@smarden-tkat.org

Fax: 01233 770316

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Smarden Assistant Head JD / Person Specification