About the role

Please note that the advertised salary for this position is subject to a pending pay award. The final salary will be adjusted in line with the nationally agreed pay award.

PAY SCALE: L7 – L13 (+ 2 additional points for responsibility for more than one school)

ISR: 1b

To commence: September 1st, 2025

Applications will be considered from applicants who do not have the NPQH qualification, but the applicant would be expected to apply and be accepted onto the program within two years. If a candidate is employed without the NPQH, then the appointment will be for a temporary Head to start.

Consideration will also be given to providing a 2-year secondment to give a practitioner the experience of a Headteacher role without the NPQH qualification.

Ysgol Tal-y-Bont and Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa Governing Bodies are looking for an energetic and motivated candidate to lead the two schools. This position is a great opportunity to further develop the relationship that has already been established between the two schools, for the benefit of the learners. Both schools are strongly anchored in their local communities.

Ysgol Tal-y-Bont is located in the village of Tal-y-bont and serves the village and the wide rural area stretching from the village of Glandyfi in the North to Bontygoch in the South East. Welsh-medium education is provided for pupils between 4 and 11 years of age.

There are currently 57 pupils on roll within three mixed age classes. Around 44% of pupils come from Welsh-speaking backgrounds.

The school employs a Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher and the equivalent of 1.8 other full-time teaching staff  as well as 4 part-time teaching assistants. A successful inspection was conducted by ESTYN in June 2024 in which it was noted that “Ysgol Tal-y-Bont is a caring, happy and family-oriented community. All staff work together effectively to provide an inclusive and friendly tone where pupils behave respectfully and politely. Pupils show positive attitudes to learning and make solid progress from their starting points.”

Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa is located in the heart of the seaside village of Borth and pupils attend from nearby villages up to Ynyslas and Clarach. Welsh-medium education is provided for pupils between 4 and 11 years of age. The school runs a weekly forest school.

There are currently 24 pupils on roll within two mixed age classes. Few learners come from Welsh speaking backgrounds. 14% of pupils are EAL learners. There is a high proportion of ALN children and children from non universal FSM backgrounds.

The school employs an Assistant Headteacher, one other full-time teaching staff member and one teaching assistant.

The school was last inspected by ESTYN in 2019 and following a period of ESTYN monitoring, it was noted that the school’s performance had improved, and it came out of the monitoring period in 2021.

Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa has been in an informal partnership with Ysgol Tal y Bont sharing the same headteacher, since March 2011.

The Headteacher has some teaching commintment across both schools.

The two schools are already working well together on a cross-section of areas, such as developing the Curriculum for Wales (CfW), quality assuring learning and teaching, and sharing good practice and resources. It is desired to appoint a dedicated and innovative individual to promote the current good standards, and further build on the life, work and reputation of both schools, ensuring that both schools continue to thrive and take advantage of the opportunities of the future.

The aim is to appoint an experienced individual with excellent leadership and management qualities who will:

• build on existing healthy partnerships and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders
• provide excellent leadership that draws on and reinforces the expertise of other staff
• promote the wellbeing of learners and staff
• encourage and support all learners to realise the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales
• promote high standards, progress and attainment for all
• lead on national transformation agendas
• promote staff development in innovative teaching and learning
• encourage parent/carer involvement and the community of both schools
• promote full inclusion

The successful candidate will have:

• a clear vision for developing the partnership that inspires staff, parents/carers and learners alike
• high expectations of themselves and others within the location of both schools and the wider communities of Tal y Bont and Borth
• the ability to provide a caring, respectful and inclusive environment for all
• a clear understanding and commitment to developing effective pedagogical practices
• strong communication, inter-personal, management and organisational skills
• an understanding of the importance of each learner’s individual development to reach their full potential
• a sound knowledge of and interest in current education developments and practices
• commitment to ensuring continuous professional development and teamwork
• a strong commitment to continue the links with the Governors, local communities and schools, Mudiad Meithrin, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Borth Community Hub.
• the ability to encourage learners to fully embrace the Welsh language culture and language and to encourage parents/carers to support Welsh at home
• Experience of or a strong interest in outdoor learning.

This advert is for a full-time Headteacher position where the ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and English is essential. The NPQH qualification is desirable for this role.

Applicants wishing to visit both schools before applying, are welcome to do so by contacting Mrs Bethan Davies (Chair of Tal-y-Bont Primary School’s Governing Body) on 07929 285657 and Mrs Helen Williams (Vice- Chair of Craig y Wylfa Primary School’s Governing Body) on 07896 616857 to arrange a visit.

Job Description and Person Specification

For more information about this post, please contact Rhianydd James, School Support Advisor, on 07811 593801 or by email rhianydd.james@ceredigion.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is Sunday, April 27th, 2025 and the interview date is to be confirmed.

Note: We reserve the right to amend the application closing date.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk. As part of this commitment, certain roles within our organisation require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess the suitability of candidates. This role will require an Enhanced DBS check. Please note that the presence of previous convictions will not necessarily disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. We assess each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and take into account the nature and relevance of any convictions in relation to the responsibilities of the role. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this process, please feel free to contact us for clarification. Your privacy and dignity are of utmost importance to us throughout the recruitment process.