Acting Head Teacher, Papa Westray Primary School

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Head Teacher

Papa Westray School

35 hours per week

Temporary to 18 June 2027

£74,148

The above amount is from 1 August 2026 and includes Distant Islands and Remote Islands Allowances.

You will be reporting to the Service Manager, Primary Education.

Your working pattern is Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working where possible.

We are looking for an experienced, committed practitioner, with excellent strategic management skills, to take up the temporary post of Head Teacher for this highly regarded small island school. Papa Westray Community School has a current roll of 7 children from P1-7 and 2 children in nursery.

This post is a ‘teaching-head’ position. Management and planning time is provided by a committed teaching team who travel to Papa Westray on a Monday and Wednesday. The Headteacher is also the registered Nursery Manager for the setting, working closely with the nursery staff to ensure quality provision and social opportunities for all children.

This post will allow an enthusiastic primary school teacher to work with a close-knit team who are passionate about achieving positive outcomes for every child. The nature and size of the school allow an exciting balance of adventurous learning whilst ensuring progression and learning routines.

The School is located in the centre of Papa Westray and enjoys strong support from the wider community. On an annual basis, the school works with a wide variety of local and national partners to ensure that children have opportunities for wider achievement.

You must have a minimum of provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

The Head Teacher is also the Early Learning and Childcare (Nursery) manager and as such needs to fulfil the requirements of the Care Inspectorate for registration.

Salary will be based on point 1 of the Head Teacher SNCT Salary Table from 1 August 2026 plus Distant Islands Allowance and Remote Islands Allowance.

The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.

This post is a regulated role with children and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.

Interview expenses are payable for this post, click here for further information. –

Relocation package is available in line with Council Policy for this post, click here for the Relocation Policy.

 

Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 14 June 2026 with shortlisting taking place 18 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for 01 July 2026.

For a discussion about the role, contact Morag Miller - Service Manager, Primary Education at morag.miller@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535.

We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.