Islamia Primary School - Head Teacher

The school

To strive to provide the best education in a secure Islamic environment through the application of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Islamia Primary School (established on 1983) is a two-form entry faith based voluntary-aided school situated in North West London. Our most recent Ofsted inspection rated us as at the ‘Expected Standard’; we aspire to be nothing short of exceptional in all aspects of school life. We work hard to nurture and produce a generation that contributes positively to the wider community.

We are on a journey to become an ‘Exceptional’ school and seek to appoint a dynamic and enthusiastic Head Teacher to join our highly dedicated team. The prospective candidate should be an ambitious, energetic, an outstanding primary practitioner and experienced head teacher.

We Offer:

• A unique opportunity to lead and shape a well-established Islamic faith primary school with a strong sense of community and purpose.
• Enthusiastic pupils with positive attitudes to learning and are hardworking, respectful and proud of their school.
• A dedicated and caring staff team, supportive governors and an engaged parent community committed to achieving the very best for all pupils.
• A nurturing Islamic environment in which to grow professionally, spiritually and personally.
• Ongoing opportunities for leadership development, collaboration and professional learning.
• A competitive salary reflecting your experience, expertise and the responsibilities of the role.

If you feel you have the enthusiasm and commitment to contribute to the ongoing development of this successful, friendly and supportive school, we would like to hear from you. Islamia Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure, safeguarding checks as standard including social media checks will be required for the successful candidate in accordance with Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education Legislation.

The role

Job Purpose:
Overall responsibility for providing leadership for the school to secure its success and continuous improvement, ensuring high quality education for all its pupils and improved standards of teaching and learning incorporating the best of Islamic education.
The appointment is subject to the current conditions of employment of Head Teachers, contained in the Schools Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document and all other current education, employment and health and safety legislation.

The Duties and Responsibilities:

The National Standards of Excellence for Head Teachers (2020) are reflected through four key domains:

• Qualities and Knowledge
• Pupils and Staff
• Systems and Process
• The Self-improving School System

These domains incorporate the ten Head Teachers’ Standards and reflect the expectations of leadership within an Islamic school context. The Head Teacher is expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, educational excellence and Islamic character, ensuring that the school provides a safe, nurturing and ambitious environment in which all pupils can thrive academically, spiritually and personally.

Domain 1 – Qualities and Knowledge

1. Hold and articulate a clear vision and moral purpose rooted in Islamic values, promoting excellence, inclusion, integrity and service to others throughout the life of the school.
2. Demonstrate optimistic, professional and ethical leadership, fostering positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors, trustees and the wider community.
3. Lead by example with honesty, humility, resilience and accountability, modelling the highest standards of professional conduct and personal character.
4. Maintain strong and current knowledge of education, curriculum development, assessment, safeguarding, SEND provision, behaviour systems and wider educational developments at local and national level.
5. Translate national policy, statutory responsibilities and trust expectations effectively into the school context, ensuring compliance whilst maintaining the school’s Islamic ethos and vision.
6. Communicate compellingly and effectively with all stakeholders, inspiring pupils and staff to pursue excellence in learning, conduct, faith and personal development.

Domain 2 – Pupils and Staff

1. Create a positive and ambitious school culture in which all pupils are known, valued and supported to achieve high standards of academic success, behaviour and character.
2. Secure excellent teaching through a strong understanding of curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment and how children learn most effectively, ensuring a broad, balanced and knowledge-rich curriculum.
3. Ensure effective systems for assessment, monitoring and pupil progress so that teaching responds accurately to pupils’ needs and outcomes continue to improve.
4. Promote high standards of behaviour, conduct and attendance through consistent expectations, restorative approaches and strong relationships built upon mutual respect and Islamic values.
5. Ensure that pupils with additional needs, including SEND and disadvantaged pupils, receive appropriate support, intervention and equal opportunity to succeed.
6. Establish a culture of professional development in which staff are motivated, supported and challenged to continually improve their practice, leadership capacity and subject knowledge.

Domain 3– Systems and Process

1. Provide effective organisational leadership through clear systems, policies and operational procedures that support high standards across all areas of school life.
2. Ensure safeguarding remains central to the school’s work, maintaining a strong culture of vigilance, accountability and child-centred practice in line with statutory guidance.
3. Lead the effective management of finance, staffing, premises and resources, ensuring sustainability, compliance and best value for the school community.
4. Use self-evaluation, educational research, data analysis and stakeholder feedback to identify priorities, evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.
5. Work effectively with governors, trustees and external agencies, ensuring strong governance, accountability and compliance with statutory and regulatory responsibilities.
6. Develop efficient communication and administrative systems that strengthen relationships with families and enable the smooth and effective operation of the school.

Domain 4-The Self-improving School System

1. Lead strategic school improvement with clarity and ambition, ensuring that improvement planning is evidence-informed, measurable and focused on improving outcomes for pupils.
2. Foster a culture of collaboration, reflection and professional dialogue where staff share effective practice openly within and beyond the school.
3. Build leadership capacity at all levels, developing future leaders and creating opportunities for growth, responsibility and succession planning.
4. Engage actively with educational research, professional networks, partnerships and wider school communities to strengthen leadership and classroom practice.
5. Develop strong partnerships with parents, local organisations, mosques and the wider community, recognising the importance of working together to support pupils’ education and wellbeing.
6. Champion the school’s Islamic ethos and values within the wider community, ensuring the school remains a centre of educational excellence, strong character development and positive community contribution. 

The person

What you will bring to our school:

• Experience and ability to lead, inspire and challenge a skilled and committed staff team to deliver excellent educational and pastoral outcomes for the pupils of Islamia Primary School.
• Substantial leadership experience at senior level, including Headship, Deputy Headship or equivalent leadership experience within education.
• Successful experience of teaching within the mainstream education system beyond initial teacher training and teaching practice.
• A strong commitment to promoting the vision, ethos and Islamic values of Islamia Primary School, ensuring that every child and member of the community feels valued, respected and able to flourish.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and ongoing Islamic self-development, modelling lifelong learning and reflective leadership.
• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors and the wider community, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and excellence.