Head Teacher

HT Salary Scale Point 5 (£68,265 per annum)

Days and Hours of Work:
Monday - Friday
To start 12th August 2024.

Successful candidates will be recruited to a permanent post if they already have a substantive HT post and/or hold the Standard for Headship (through the SQH or Into Headship programmes). Successful candidates yet to achieve the Standard for Headship will be offered a temporary contract until such time as they successfully complete the now mandatory Into Headship programme, which must be within the nationally agreed timeframe of 30 months from appointment.

Pencaitland Primary School is a co-educational school, situated in the village of Pencaitland in East Lothian. Pencaitland Primary School has been in its current building since 1976. The school comprises a nursery, accommodated currently in a temporary structure, in the school playground, 8 classrooms, some of which are semi open planned, a library, a gym hall with a stage, a dining area and a general purpose/music room. It is set in large grounds and surrounded by woodland, which can be accessed directly from the school grounds. There is a strong commitment to using the outdoors to support and enhance the curriculum. The majority of the pupils who attend Pencaitland Primary School live in the village, with some who travel from the surrounding villages and farms. The school is part of the Tranent Associated Schools Group and has strong links working in partnership. At present, there are 148 learners on the school roll (P1-P7). The nursery has capacity for 30 children and operates a 38-week model. The school is supported by a very active Parent Council and PTA and has strong community links.

Further information can be found at Pencaitland Primary School - www

• Longleet interviews are scheduled to take place on 22 May 2024
• Shortleet interviews are scheduled to take place on 30 May 2024

The role of the Head Teacher is, within the resources available, to conduct the affairs of both Schools to the benefit of the pupils and the communities they serve, through pursuing objectives and implementing policies set by East Lothian Council under the overall direction of the Executive Director, Education and Children's Services.

Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.

The East Lothian Way' - values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.

Relevant Qualifications
Full GTCS Registration is required.

PVG Membership
This post is considered as Regulated Work with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.

All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.

Please note: PVG member's records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.

Please note:
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link:

Please Note - Pay arrangements for those starting after 1st day of school session
In accordance with Teachers Conditions of Service (SNCT - Appendix 2.19), Teachers who commence employment with East Lothian Council after the first day of the school session will have their salary for the remainder of the school salary year (which runs from 1 August to 31 July each year), ; recalculated to reflect how teachers accrue leave and pay.

In these circumstances, a calculation will be carried out upon commencement of employment and leave and pay will be adjusted. Further information will be provided to the successful candidate should this be applicable.

East Lothian Council Schools:
Further details on all East Lothian Council Primary and Secondary Schools, including individual school websites can be found here:
Primary Schools
Secondary Schools

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If you require further information about this vacancy, please call , or email us on

Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an import data from my CV' function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form.