Headteacher - Full-time

Tunstall CEP School, Sittingbourne

• Ref:KCC886-3337-114L
• Posted:15/05/2026
• Pay:L13 – L21 (dependent on experience)
• Start Date:September 2026 or January 2027
• App Close Date:09/06/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:9th and 10th July 2026

Advert

Tunstall CE (VA) Primary School is seeking an inspiring and forward thinking Headteacher to lead our much loved, oversubscribed, high achieving school into its next exciting chapter.

What can we offer you?

• A strong and lived Christian ethos that shapes a caring, inclusive and aspirational community
• Children who are enthusiastic, thoughtful and eager to learn
• A highly motivated, skilled and dedicated staff team
• An inclusive learning environment, including opportunities to learn Makaton
• A well‑constructed, bespoke Discovery Curriculum that celebrates creativity, curiosity and challenge
• Strong and supportive links with Tunstall Church and churches across Sittingbourne
• An engaged and committed governing body, alongside supportive parents and a wider community who value the school deeply
• A well‑established and active PTA
• A collaborative, positive and forward‑looking “Team Tunstall”
• A rich variety of clubs and extended‑day opportunities
• Ongoing opportunities for your own professional, personal and spiritual development
• Strong partnerships with the Diocese and local school networks, offering collaboration, support and shared expertise.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a leader who brings a blend of experience, emotional intelligence and creative vision. Someone who can honour and sustain our strong community while confidently shaping the next phase of our development.

You will:

• Be an inspiring and visible leader who motivates others through integrity, warmth and clarity
• Bring a passion for high quality teaching, learning and curriculum development
• Value inclusion and ensure every child is known, nurtured and challenged
• Build strong relationships with staff, pupils, families, governors and the wider community
• Be excited by the opportunity to develop new ideas and enhance what is already excellent
• Be committed to safeguarding and the wellbeing of every child
• Embrace and promote the school’s Christian character and values

Faith Commitment
Governors will give preference to candidates whose religious opinions are in accordance with the tenets of the Church of England or who attend religious worship in accordance with those tenets (as set out in Sections 60 and 124AA of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998). A third reference from their church minister will be required for these candidates.

However, we warmly welcome applications from those without a formal religious commitment who can demonstrate a genuine respect for, and willingness to uphold, the school’s Christian ethos. This aspect will be explored sensitively during the interview process.

We warmly encourage visits to the school. These will be led by a governor and offer a chance to experience the atmosphere, meet our pupils and staff, and see what makes Tunstall such a special place. Please contact the school office or click here to book your visit.

Information about the school

Our Vision

‘We believe that God’s abundance is for everyone, nurturing a servant heart for the local community of Tunstall and beyond. Learning opportunities are broad, inclusive and inspiring where creativity is nurtured and harnessed at every opportunity through our unique, Discovery Curriculum. Children and staff are safe, secure and empowered to be risk takers. We are a culturally diverse school who value each other's uniqueness with dignity and respect. We think deeply, love abundantly and serve graciously for the Glory of God and thus uphold our biblical underpinning of John 10:10 being: ‘A place where everyone can flourish’.

A warm welcome to Tunstall Church of England Primary School and thank you for considering our amazing school for your career progression. Tunstall Church of England Primary School is an extremely popular and oversubscribed church school on the outskirts of Sittingbourne, Kent.

Situated in the historic village of Tunstall, just outside Sittingbourne, our modern school building opened in 2015 and sits within extensive grounds and provides a wonderful setting where children learn, play and build lasting friendships. We are blessed with a spacious, stunning, purpose-built, modern premises and hope to be recognised by all who cross our boundary as a dedicated, outstanding school, which develops aspirations within pupils, an enthusiasm for learning and has delivered excellent academic results over many years.

Our pupils’ achievements are exemplary. From music to maths, science to serving community lunch to local residents, we support our children to be the best they can possibly be. This has been recognised by Ofsted who deemed us to be an ‘outstanding’ school in all areas. Our pupils’ attendance is excellent and this helps them to fully engage with our broad, exciting ‘Discovery Curriculum’.

Outdoor learning, active learning and the broadest offer possible of a wider curriculum, ensures all children can pursue the skills and knowledge necessary to follow their dreams. Our dedicated staff, extensive grounds and superb resources equip us well to provide our children with the best possible learning opportunities. We value our bond with Tunstall Church very highly and promote our distinctively Christian Vision, Ethos and Values in everything that we do.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mrs W Harwood
• Address:Tunstall Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 1YG
• Telephone: (01795) 472895
• Email: office@tunstall.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Employment of Ex Offenders Policy
• Chair of Governors Letter
• Letter from the Diocese
• Person Specification
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
• Job Description
• All About Tunstall Presentation