About Us

Contract: Full time but will consider 0.8 FTE

Start date: Summer 2026  or Autumn 2026

Roehampton Church Forest School is a warm, inclusive Voluntary Aided Church of England primary school (3–11 years), serving our diverse Roehampton community. We are committed to providing a nurturing, stimulating, and child-centred environment, rooted in our Christian vision and values, where children flourish academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. Our Forest School provision gives every child the opportunity to learn deeply through nature, our forest school curriculum and outdoor experiences.

The school has a “Good” Ofsted rating (June 2023).

We are seeking a visionary, child-focused, and inspirational leader to continue to build on our strengths and drive the next phase of the school’s journey.

As Headteacher, you will:

• Provide strong, strategic leadership in collaboration with the governing body, staff, and church to deliver the school’s vision, with children at the centre of all decisions.
• Lead and uphold the school’s Christian distinctiveness, supporting collective worship, spiritual development, and pastoral care for all pupils.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team of teachers and support staff, fostering a positive, caring, and inclusive environment for every child to thrive.
• Oversee curriculum development and ensure high standards of teaching and learning that meet the needs of all pupils.
• Champion our Forest School, embedding outdoor learning in the life of the school to enhance children’s personal, social, and emotional development.
• Manage school operations, including oversight of budgets, safeguarding, and site development, in partnership with governors, the local authority and the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE).
• Engage with children, parents, carers, the church, and the wider community to strengthen partnerships and support every pupil’s growth.
• Uphold the school’s Christian distinctiveness, supporting collective worship, spiritual development, and pastoral care for all pupils.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Is a practising Christian (or demonstrates a strong commitment to Christian values) and is committed to leading a Church of England school.
• Has proven senior leadership experience, with a track record of improving children’s outcomes and wellbeing.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of primary education, curriculum design, assessment, and staff development to support all pupils.
• Has experience of or enthusiasm for forest school philosophy, or a willingness to champion it for the benefit of children’s learning and personal development.
• Is a confident communicator, able to engage effectively with pupils, parents, staff, governors, and the church community.
• Has excellent organisational, financial, and operational leadership skills.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and development of every child.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and committed leadership team and governing body.
• A school with a distinctive Christian identity and forest school ethos.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• Strong community links with the local church and Roehampton neighbourhood.
• A competitive pay s commensurate with experience.
• A caring, nurturing school community where children and staff are valued and supported.

Visits: 

If this sounds like an interesting opportunity, we would encourage you to visit our  School.

To  arrange a visit please contact Nellisa Gooljar-King our Business manager on 020 8788 8650 or email - sbm@roehampton.wandsworth.sch.uk and make an appointment during 05 January upto 14 January 2026

How to Apply:

An information pack, including a Job Description and Person Specification can be downloaded below.

Alternatively, please contact Vanessa Lewis HR Officer, on 020 8871 5917 or email: csschools@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk to receive an application pack or with enquiries regarding the application process.

Please send the completed application form to: csschools@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Closing date: 18 January 2026 (at midnight)

Shortlisting 20 January 2026

Interviews: 27 January 2026

Please call 020 8871 8270 or email csschools@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk and confirm the receipt of your application

Safeguarding:

Roehampton Church Forest School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Please note that we do not accept CVs

Roehampton Church Forest School

245 Roehampton Lane
London
SW15 4AA

Email: sbm@roehampton.wandsworth.sch.uk

Phone: 020 8788 8650

Executive Headteacher: Lynn Anderson

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils