Vacancies
Careers In Education with the Schoolsworks Academy Trust
Schoolsworks Academy Trust is a growing school trust with 10 primary schools across the West Sussex coast. Each school retains its own identity and works closely with its locality schools and the local authority, while also benefiting from sharing knowledge, experience and good practice across the Trust.
Being part of the Trust allows schools to work closely together on projects with joint benefits, and to share some core functions to make the most efficient use of funds.
As a member of staff within the Trust, there are opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in other Trust schools through dedicated networks such as Early Career Teachers, subject leaders and year group teams. We also have a strong secondment programme which offers teachers the opportunity to work in other Trust schools for a period to gain experience or to share expertise across the Trust.
As an employer, Schoolsworks recognises many of the national agreements such as access to the Teachers or Local Government Pensions Schemes, sickness absence and maternity pay schemes, entitlements to PPA time and directed hours limits. Staff have access to a benefits programme with discounts and special offers made available through our payroll provider.
We are always on the lookout for exceptional talent to help us in our goal of delivering outstanding education.
Nursery Manager - Hawthorns Primary School
- Location: Hawthorns Primary School
- Salary: NJC Grade 6, SCP 9-12, £28,153 to £29,542 p.a. pro rata. Actual starting salary - £23,713.48 p.a.
(Higher grade considered based on qualification/experience) - Closing date: Wednesday 16th September 2026
- Ref: 500108
Required: September 2026 or as soon as practicable
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, term time only (38 weeks plus 5.8 weeks annual leave entitlement)
Salary: NJC Grade 6, SCP 9-12, £28,153 to £29,542 p.a. pro rata. Actual starting salary - £23,713.48 p.a.
(Higher grade considered based on qualification/experience)
We are seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to join our friendly team and help create a welcoming, safe and stimulating nursery/pre school environment, tailored to meet the individual needs of each child, in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of child development from birth to five, safeguarding and welfare requirements, assessment and planning, and strategies to support communication and language development. They will be committed to inclusive practice, including supporting children with SEND, and will have the skills to lead high-quality early years provision while building strong partnerships with families and other
professionals.
We are looking for a passionate and experienced early years leader who can inspire and motivate a team, drive continuous improvement and maintain high expectations for all children. You will be organised, proactive and reflective, with a commitment to ensuring every child feels safe, valued and successful.
Hawthorns Primary School and Nursery is a friendly, happy and caring one-form entry primary school in West Sussex, which has a fantastic and supportive staff team and is well respected within the local community. We have high expectations and a school-wide commitment to improve children’s learning and staff expertise and professional
In return we can offer you:-
• A supportive and collaborative environment in which to grow as a leader, with access to high-quality professional development and opportunities for career progression
• The opportunity to lead and further develop our nursery provision, helping to shape the very best experiences and outcomes for young children.
• Collaborative working across all 10 schools within the Schoolsworks Academy Trust, enabling the sharing of expertise, resources and best practice.
• A welcoming and dedicated staff team committed to inclusion, continuous improvement and achieving the best for every child.
• Employee benefits including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, staff wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and a range of staff retail discounts.
Applicants should clearly state on the application form their current expertise and previous experience. Please make reference to the Job Description and Personal Specification when completing the Skills and Competencies part of the
application. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. If you are interested in applying and would like to visit the school, please contact the school office on Tel: 01903 268174, to arrange a suitable time to visit.
Hawthorns Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. This post is subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references, qualifications, health, enhanced DBS checks and online social media searches. Hawthorns Primary School is part of the Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the
Trust is fully committed to supporting the career development of all its staff.
Application forms should be sent to the school by email to recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Closing Date: Wednesday 16th September 2026
Interview Date: Monday 21st September 2026 - Information Pack Application Form
SEND Teaching Assistant - Downsbrook Primary School
- Location: Downsbrook Primary School
- Salary: TA - NJC Grade 3, SCP 3 4, £25,614 - £26,016 p.a. pro rata.
MDM - NJC Grade 3, SCP 3, £ 25,614 p.a. pro rata.
Actual starting salary £17,493 p.a. - Closing date: Thursday 15th September 2026
- Ref: 500107
Required: September 2026 or as soon as practicable
Contract: Temporary until July 2027
Hours: 27.5 hours per week over 5 days, plus 2.5 hours Midday Meals cover
Term Time only (38 weeks per year)
Salary: TA - NJC Grade 3, SCP 3 4, £ 25,614 - £26,016 p.a. pro rata.
MDM - NJC Grade 3, SCP 3, £25,614 p.a. pro rata.
Actual starting salary £17,493 p.a.
Downsbrook Primary School is a 2 form entry Primary School with a fantastic, friendly and supportive staff team. We have high expectations and a school wide commitment to improve children’s learning & staff expertise, and professional development.
We are looking for a positive, caring and well motivated SEND teaching assistant to work within this friendly and supportive school. Your role requires flexibility in your approach and understanding of the children and requires you to work closely with the class teacher to support the children, including those with additional and/or special educational needs. You will also be expected to undertake Midday Meals duties each day.
This is a good opportunity to develop professionally in a forward looking learning environment
and offers the chance to become part of a successful and developing team.
Applicants should clearly include their current expertise and previous experience making
reference to the Job Description and Personal Specification within this pack. The application
form can be downloaded from this advert along with a guide on how best complete it.
Applications should be sent to recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. If you are interested in applying and would like to
visit the school, please contact the school office either by email: office@downsbrook.org or
phone 01903 230467. Please also visit our website https://www.downsbrook.org/ for further
information about our school and Schoolsworks Academy Trust.
The Schoolsworks Academy Trust and Downsbrook Community Primary School is committed
to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to successful DBS,
health and qualifications checks and satisfactory references. Downsbrook Primary School is
part of the Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the trust is fully committed to supporting the
career development of all its staff.
Closing Date: Thursday 10th September
Interview Date: Tuesday 15th September - Information pack Application Form
Teaching Assistant - Medmerry Primary School
- Location: Medmerry Primary School
- Salary: NJC Grade 3, SCP 3-4, £24,796 - £25,185 p.a. pro rata. Actual salary £11,713 p.a.
- Closing date: Friday 4th September 2026
- Ref: 500106
Required: September 2026 or as soon as practicable
Contract: Fixed Term to July 2027, Term Time Only
Hours: 20.75 hours per week, worked over 5 mornings
(38 weeks per year, plus 5.8 weeks annual leave entitlement)
Salary: NJC Grade 3, SCP 3-4, £24,796 - £25,185 p.a. pro rata. Actual salary £11,713 p.a.
We are looking for a positive, caring and well-motivated teaching assistant to work within this friendly and supportive school. Ideally, you are already a teaching assistant with experience of working with children in an educational setting or have experience in working with children and are looking to progress your career in education. You will be a Class teaching assistant supporting the class teacher and working with small groups of children as well as having some SEN responsibilities. This will require you to have a flexible approach and emotional understanding of the children's needs.
Medmerry Primary School is a friendly, happy and caring one-form entry primary school in Selsey, West Sussex, which has a fantastic and supportive staff team and is well respected within the local community. We have high expectations and a school-wide commitment to improve children’s learning and staff expertise and professional development. This is a good opportunity to develop professionally in a forward looking learning environment and offers the chance to become part of a successful and developing team.
In return we can offer you:-
• A happy and supportive environment in which to grow.
• A forward looking school with high aspirations and standards
• Collaborative working across all 10 schools in the trust.
• Employee benefits including Local Government Pension, Staff wellbeing (EAP)
The successful applicant will be someone who will:
• Experience of working with children who have special educational needs
• Engage and motivate children to do their best, whilst having a passion and desire to want the very best for all children and a belief that every child can succeed, will creating a culture of friendship, positivity and teamwork at lunchtimes, in-line with our school values.
• Like all children and will be able to establish excellent relationships with children and
colleagues.
• Be an inspirational, positive, enthusiastic and supportive colleague, whilst being an excellent role model to children.
• Previous experience of working in a similar role and/or relevant training is desirable,
but not essential.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed in term time. If you are interested in applying and would like to visit the school please contact Anna Souffe, Office Manager Tel: 01243 602738. We do recommend that you also visit our school website https://www.medmerryschool.co.uk/ for further information about our school. Completed applications should be sent to recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Medmerry Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our
children. This post is subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references,
qualifications, health, enhanced DBS checks. Medmerry Primary School is part of the
Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the trust is fully committed to supporting the career
development of all its staff.
Closing Date: Friday 4th September 2026
Interview Date: Friday 11th September 2026 - Information pack Application Form
SEN Teaching Assistant - River Beach Primary School
- Location: River Beach Primary School
- Salary: NJC Grade 4, SCP 5-6, £25,583 - £25.989 p.a. pro rata
Actual starting salary - £17,631 p.a. - Closing date: Closing Date: Monday 7th September 2026
- Ref: 500105
Required: September 2026
Contract: Permanent. Term time plus 2 inset days, Monday - Friday
(38.4 wks plus 5.8 wks paid annual leave entitlement)
Hours: 30 hours per week (Monday - Friday)
Salary: NJC Grade 4, SCP 5-6, £25,583 - £25.989 p.a. pro rata.
Actual starting salary - £17,631 p.a.
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, positive, dedicated, caring, emotionally
intelligent team player to join our friendly, supportive and committed team as a Teaching
Assistant within our SEN (Lighthouse) department.
Ideally you are already a Teaching Assistant with experience of working with children in an
educational setting and/or have other experience in working with children with special
educational needs and are looking to progress your career in to education.
River Beach Primary School is a friendly, happy and caring three form entry primary school
in West Sussex, which has a fantastic and supportive staff team and is well respected within
the local community. We have high expectations and a school wide commitment to improve children’s learning and staff expertise and professional development.
In return we can offer you:
• A supportive environment in which to grow with an opportunity to be considered for HLTA training for the right candidate.
• Collaborative working across all 10 schools in the trust
• Employee Benefits including Local Government Pension, Staff wellbeing (Employee
Assistance Program) and staff retail discounts.
Applicants should clearly state on the application form their current expertise and previous
experience. Please make reference to the Job Description and Personal Specification when
completing the Skills and Competencies part of the application.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. If you are interested in applying and would like to visit the school, please contact Julie Sampson, Office Manager Tel: 01903 725500, to arrange a suitable time to visit.
River Beach Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our
children. This post is subject to rigorous pre employment checks, including references,
qualifications, health, enhanced DBS checks and online social media searches. River Beach
Primary School is part of the Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the trust is fully committed
to supporting the career development of all its staff.
Application forms should be sent by email to recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Closing Date: Monday 7th September 2026
Interview Date: Friday 11th September 2026 - Information pack Application Form
Office Manager - Westbourne Primary School
- Location: Westbourne Primary School
- Salary: Grade 6, Scale Point 9, £27,254 (full time equivalent)
Actual Starting Salary : £15,511p.a. - Closing date: Monday 7th September 2026
- Ref: 500104
Position: Office Manager
Required from: September 2026 or as soon a practicable
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 25 hours, per week. Term Time only
8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursdays, 8.30am to 4pm Fridays 5 days a week.
Salary: Grade 6, Scale Point 9, £27,254 (full time equivalent)
Actual Starting Salary : £15,511p.a.
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate as our Office Manager to join our friendly, supportive and forward-thinking school. The successful candidate will not necessarily have previous school experience, but will be highly motivated, positive, emotionally intelligent and enthusiastic about contributing to our whole-school improvement.
At Westbourne Primary School we have high expectations and a commitment to improve
children’s learning and staff expertise. We have children who are keen to learn with
enthusiastic and supportive staff, community council members and parents.
The Office Manager will work under the local guidance of the Headteacher. The main function of the role is to lead the school’s Administration Team and ensure its effective operation in providing business services to the school to support the provision of effective teaching and learning. This includes responsibility for day to day operations relating to some local finance, human resources administration, learning environment, aspects of health and safety, safeguarding and IT provision.
Westbourne Primary School will be joining Schoolsworks Academy Trust from October 2026
and so the Office Manager will receive excellent back office support from the trust's Central
Services Team based in Littlehampton.
The successful candidate will:
• Have exceptional organisational, administrative and IT skills.
• Be proactive and demonstrate initiative, whilst being able to manage their time effectively.
• Be emotionally intelligent, have excellent communication skills, be very approachable and be able to establish excellent relationships with children, staff, parents and other stakeholders.
• Have high expectations of themselves and others, be committed to achieving the best for
the school, every child and every staff member, and continuously strive to achieve this.
• Be an excellent professional, team player and role model who can lead by example and
will support and promote the vision of the school.
• Be reliable, diligent and maintain confidentiality.
• Be enthusiastic to move their learning forward by taking on relevant support, advice and training.
• Be flexible and adaptable to work with the changing needs of the school and Academy
Trust.
How to Apply:
For a list of essential and/or desirable skills please refer to the job description and
person specification which is included in this pack. The application form can be
downloaded from the advert and completed applications should be forwarded to
recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed during term time (the school reopens on 1st
September 2026). If you are interested in applying and would like to visit the school
please Tel: 01243 602738 or email office@westbourneprimary.co.uk. We do
recommend that you also visit our school website
https://www.westbourneprimary.co.uk/ for further information about our school.
Westbourne Primary School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to
safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and there is an
expectation of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject
to a successful Disclosure & Barring check and satisfactory references.
Close Date: Monday 7th September 2026
Interviews: W/c 14th September 2026 - Information pack Application Form
Learning Support Assistant - Summerlea Primary School
- Location: Summerlea Primary School
- Salary: NJC Grade 3, SCP 3-4, £24,796 to £25,185 p.a. pro rata.
Actual starting salary - £15,991.80 p.a. - Closing date: Monday 7th September 2026
- Ref: 500103
Required: September 2026
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 28.33 hours per week, term time only
Monday to Friday, 8.20am to 3.00pm (38 weeks plus 5.8 weeks annual leave entitlement)
Salary: NJC Grade 3, SCP 3-4, £24,796 to £25,185 p.a. pro rata.
Actual starting salary - £15,991.80 p.a.
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, positive, dedicated, caring, emotionally
intelligent team player to join our friendly, supportive and committed team as a Learning
Support Assistant. (LSA).
Ideally you are already a LSA with experience of working with children in an educational
setting or have other experience in working with children and are looking to progress your
career in to education. Additional experience in stepping up and lead learning with the whole
class would be something of interest to highlight during the application process.
Summerlea School is a friendly, happy and caring two form entry primary school in West
Sussex, which has a fantastic and supportive staff team and is well respected within the local
community. We have high expectations and a school-wide commitment to improve children’s
learning and staff expertise and professional development.
In return we can offer you:-
• A supportive environment in which to grow with an opportunity to be considered for HLTA training for the right candidate.
• Collaborative working across all 10 schools in the trust
• Employee Benefits including Local Government Pension, Staff wellbeing (Employee
Assistance Program) and staff retail discounts.
Applicants should clearly state on the application form their current expertise and previous
experience. Please make reference to the Job Description and Personal Specification when
completing the Skills and Competencies part of the application.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. If you are interested in applying and would like to
visit the school, please contact Keighley Steward, Office Manager Tel: 01903 856783, to arrange
a suitable time to visit.
Summerlea Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our
children. This post is subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references,
qualifications, health, enhanced DBS checks and online social media searches. Summerlea
Primary School is part of the Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the trust is fully committed to
supporting the career development of all its staff.
Application forms should be sent to the school by email to recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Closing Date: Monday 7th September 2026
Interview Date: Friday 11th September 2026 - Information pack Application Form
Midday Meals Supervisor x 2 - Downsbrook Primary School
- Location: Downsbrook Primary School
- Salary: NJC Grade 2, SCP 3, £24,796 p.a. pro rata. Actual starting salary - £2,822 p.a.
- Closing date: Monday 7th September 2026
- Ref: 500102
Required: September 2026 or as soon as practicable
Contract: Temporary until July 2027
Hours: 5 hours per week over 5 days, 38 weeks per year (term time only) 12.00pm to 1.00pm
Salary: NJC Grade 2, SCP 3, £24,796 p.a. pro rata.
Actual starting salary - £2,822 p.a.
We are seeking to appoint a motivated, positive, dedicated, emotionally intelligent and
enthusiastic team players to join our friendly, caring and committed lunchtime team. In
particular, we are looking for supervisors to support children at lunchtimes in promoting
positive play, teamwork, and friendship, as well as supporting children with their pastoral
care. In addition, the role will include supervising children whilst eating their lunch and,
following relevant training, providing minor first aid.
Successful applicants will be someone who will:
• Engage and motivate children to do their best, whilst having a passion and desire to want the very best for all children and a belief that every child can succeed, will creating a culture of friendship, positivity and teamwork at lunchtimes, in-line with our school values.
• Like all children and will be able to establish excellent relationships with children and
colleagues.
• Be an inspirational, positive, enthusiastic and supportive colleague, whilst being an
excellent role model to children.
• Be proactive and have a desire to improve their own practice, whilst being open to
advice, feedback and guidance from colleagues.
• Previous experience of working in a similar role and/or relevant training is desirable, but
not essential.
We can offer you:
· A happy and supportive environment where staff and children learn alongside each other.
· Friendly and enthusiastic children who enjoy learning.
· A forward-looking school with high aspirations and standards.
· Local government pension scheme
· Staff benefits platform
Downsbrook Primary School is part of the Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the trust is fully
committed to supporting the career development of all its’ staff.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. If you are interested in applying and would like to
visit the school, please contact the school office either via email office@downsbrook.org or
phone 01903 230467. Further details and application forms are available to download from
this advert. How to apply: Completed application forms and a supporting letter to be sent to
recruitment@schoolsworks.org
The Schoolsworks Academy Trust and Downsbrook Community Primary School is committed
to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to successful DBS,
health and qualifications checks and satisfactory references. Downsbrrok Primary School is
part of the Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the trust is fully committed to supporting the
career development of all its staff.
Closing Date: Monday 7th September 2026
Interview Date: Friday 11th September 2026 - Information pack Application Form
Teaching Assistant - Hawthorns Primary School
- Location: Hawthorns Primary School
- Salary: NJC Grade 3, SCP 3-4, £24,796 to £25,185 p.a. pro rata.
Actual starting salary - £8,467 p.a. - Closing date: Friday 11th September 2026
- Ref: 500101
Required: September 2026 or as soon as practicable
Contract: Fixed term for one year
Hours: 15 hours per week, term time only (working hours negotiable)
(38 weeks plus 5.8 weeks annual leave entitlement)
Salary: NJC Grade 3, SCP 3-4, £24,796 to £25,185 p.a. pro rata.
Actual starting salary - £8,467 p.a.
We are seeking an experienced Teaching Assistant to join our team to help support the needs of our children with SEND and an EHCP. This will entail working flexibly across the school, including within our enhanced provisions as appropriate. Knowledge of supporting children with Communication and Interaction needs such as autism and speech and language difficulties would be an advantage. You will also be expected to undertake Midday Meals duties each day.
Ideally you are already a Teaching Assistant with experience of working with children in an
educational setting and/or have other experience in working with children with special
educational needs and are looking to progress your career in to education.
Hawthorns Primary School and Nursery is a friendly, happy and caring one-form entry primary
school in West Sussex, which has a fantastic and supportive staff team and is well respected
within the local community. We have high expectations and a school-wide commitment to
improve children’s learning and staff expertise and professional development.
In return we can offer you:-
• A supportive environment in which to grow with an opportunity to be considered for
HLTA training for the right candidate.
• Collaborative working across all 10 schools in the trust
• Employee Benefits including Local Government Pension, Staff wellbeing (Employee
Assistance Program) and staff retail discounts.
Applicants should clearly state on the application form their current expertise and previous
experience. Please make reference to the Job Description and Personal Specification when
completing the Skills and Competencies part of the application. Visits to the school are warmly
welcomed. If you are interested in applying and would like to visit the school, please contact
the school office on Tel: 01903 268174, to arrange a suitable time to visit.
Hawthorns Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our
children. This post is subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references,
qualifications, health, enhanced DBS checks and online social media searches. Hawthorns
Primary School is part of the Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the Trust is fully committed to
supporting the career development of all its staff.
Application forms should be sent to the school by email to recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Closing Date: Friday 11th September 2026
Interview Date: W/c Monday 14th September 2026 - Full details Application Form
Nursery Support Assistant - River Beach Primary School
- Location: River Beach Primary School
- Salary: NJC Grade 3, £24,796 p.a. pro rata. Actual starting salary - £14,241 p.a.
- Closing date: Monday 7th September 2026
- Ref: 500100
Required: September 2026
Contract: Permanent - Term time plus 2 inset days, Monday Friday
(38.4 wks plus 5.8 wks paid annual leave entitlement)
Hours: 25 hours per week
Salary: NJC Grade 3, SCP 3, £24,796 p.a. pro rata. Actual starting salary --£14,241 p.a.
We are looking for a positive, caring and well motivated Nursery assistant to work within
this friendly and supportive school as part of the foundation stage team. Your role will be to
assist with supervision of groups of 3 and 4 year old children in a nursery setting,
developing their skills particularly in communication, language, literacy, and personal, social
and relationship skills.
Ideally you are already working in a nursery or primary school with experience of working
with children in an educational setting or have other experience in working with children
and are looking to progress your career in to education.
River Beach Primary School is a friendly, happy and caring three form entry primary school
in West Sussex, which has a fantastic and supportive staff team and is well respected within
the local community. We have high expectations and a school wide commitment to
improve children’s learning and staff expertise and professional development.
In return we can offer you:
• A supportive environment in which to grow with an opportunity to be considered for HLTA training for the right candidate.
• Collaborative working across all 10 schools in the trust
• Employee Benefits including Local Government Pension, Staff wellbeing (Employee
Assistance Program) and staff retail discounts.
Applicants should clearly state on the application form their current expertise and previous
experience. Please make reference to the Job Description and Personal Specification when
completing the Skills and Competencies part of the application.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. If you are interested in applying and would like
to visit the school, please contact Julie Sampson, Office Manager Tel: 01903 725500, to arrange a suitable time to visit.
River Beach Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. This post is subject to rigorous pre employment checks, including references,
qualifications, health, enhanced DBS checks and online social media searches. River Beach
Primary School is part of the Schoolsworks Academy Trust and the trust is fully committed
to supporting the career development of all its staff.
Application forms should be sent by email to recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Closing Date: Monday 7th September 2026
Interview Date: Friday 11th September 2026 - Information pack Application Form
Head of School - Hawthorns Primary School
- Location: Hawthorns Primary School
- Salary: Leadership Range 10 -14, £ 64,691 to £71,330p.a.
- Closing date: 9am on Tuesday 15th September 2026
- Ref: 400180
NOR: 176 (36 in Nursery)
Required: January 2027
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Leadership Range 10 -14, £ 64,691 to £71,330p.a.
Reporting to: Director of School Improvement and CEO
Hawthorns Primary School are looking to appoint a Head of School from January 2027. The
post is suitable for those looking to take their first steps into headship.
Hawthorns is a single-form entry primary school, consisting of six classes plus nursery. It
serves a diverse community in the Durrington area of Worthing, with the proportion of
children with SEN and EHCPs significantly above the National Average.
In 2024 the school joined Schoolsworks Academy Trust, following an Academy Order from
the DfE, after two consecutive Ofsted judgements of Requires Improvement. Since then,
there have been considerable improvements to the teaching, curriculum and provision that
the school offers, as well as significant investment to improve the internal fabric of the
building and learning environment.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious Head of School to inspire our children and
staff, to lead the school on its next stage in its exciting journey of improvement. The Head of
School role would suit an ambitious senior leader, looking for their first headship. Through
this model we would provide the successful candidate with high quality mentoring and
extensive strategic support.
We can offer:
• A welcoming small community school
• A friendly and committed staff team
• Enthusiastic children who enjoy learning
• Extensive support from our Trust
Can you offer:
• A passion for delivering high quality education in order to continue to raise standards?
• Leadership and management skills that are compatible with the Trust’s vision and values?
• A strong track record of success in your current role?
• Creativity in curriculum development?
• Excellent interpersonal and people management skills?
• A commitment to safeguarding and well-being?
We are very happy to arrange for you to visit the school; please contact Lynn Wood, HR
Manager on 01903 278205 or lynn.wood@schoolsworks.org to arrange a mutually
convenient time if you wish to do so.
How to Apply:
A full information pack is available to download from this advert, along with our application
form.
Applicants should clearly state on the application form and in their supporting statement,
their current expertise and previous experience. For a list of essential and/or desirable
criteria please see the personal specification and job description within the full information
pack. Completed application forms and supporting statements should be sent to
recruitment@schoolsworks.org
Hawthorns Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our
children and there is an expectation of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references, qualifications,
health and enhanced DBS checks.
Hawthorns Primary School is part of Schoolsworks Academy Trust, an employer fully
committed to supporting the career development of all its staff.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Tuesday 15th September 2026
Interview Dates: Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September 2026 - Information pack Application form
Trustees
- Schoolsworks Academy Trust in West Sussex are always keen to hear from people willing to take on the role of Trustees with finance/accountancy, legal, academic or HR skills. Whilst we currently do not have any Board vacancies you are still welcome to make contact to discuss potential opportunities to volunteer with us in the future. Board meetings are usually held in Worthing.
- About the Trust
Schoolsworks Academy Trust (the Trust) currently has ten schools, over 3,900 pupils and 500 staff. Trust schools are located between Worthing in the east to Selsey in the west along the south coast. - Trust ethos & values
Schoolsworks is a multi-academy trust strongly driven by its values. In practice, these values translate into the aspiration to create small hubs of schools which work closely together to collaborate, share best practice and improve outcomes for children. - Role summary
Trustees are also company directors of Schoolsworks and govenors of all our schools. The role is to support and to hold to account the executive and senior leadership team. The Board of Trustees manages the business of the Trust and may exercise all the powers of the Trust. - Person specification
The Board is constantly seeking to expand its capacity to challenge and support the operations of the Trust. Any applicants must have excellent communication skills with energy and enthusiasm to support the education of children and willingness to contribute to a team. Applicants must be team-players and willing to take time to familiarise themselves with the state-funded primary education sector. Candidates will preferably reside within 20 miles of Littlehampton. - Contact
For further information or an application form please contact one of the following: Norman Rose (Chair of the Board) norman.rose@schoolsworks.org or Louise Pope (Governance Professional / Company Secretary) louise.pope@schoolsworks.org
School Community Council Members
- We are seeking new School Community Council (SCC)* Members to provide local governance support for our schools and Headteachers. Our SCC’s play a valuable role in supporting our schools and in keeping each one effectively connected to its wider community. School Community Councils are made up of a mixture of staff, parents and members of the local community. Members of each SCC actively support the work of both the Trust and the school in delivering a high-quality education for our children. This governance role involves working with the school’s leadership team to keep the work of the school under constant review by acting as a critical friend. All our schools are welcome to receive enquiries about joining their School Community Council, and their contact details can be found via this page.
Usually, each SCC meets once or twice a term to discuss the school’s progress, focus, ethos and direction. In order to fulfil its function effectively, the work of the SCC is divided across six portfolios, with every SCC member being involved in at least one portfolio:- Quality of Education Portfolio (to raise standards of teaching and learning)
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Portfolio (to ensure pupil happiness, welfare and safety)
- Finance Portfolio (the efficient, appropriate and compliant use of local finances)
- Audit & Risk Portfolio (to review the management of risk in schools)
- Health & Safety and Premises Portfolio (to ensure school premises are safe and secure and a positive learning environment)
- Senior Leadership Team Liaison and School Support Portfolio (to support the academy school’s management team)
- Community Engagement and Fundraising Portfolio (to ensure effective engagement within the school community)
Teaching Staff – General Enquiries
- We are always keen to hear from exceptional teachers that can help us deliver an outstanding education for our children. If you think you can add something to our pupils' lives please email HR with a copy of your CV and a covering letter outlining your skills, salary expectations and current situation.
Teaching Support Staff – General Enquiries
- We are always keen to hear from exceptional candidates that would like to help our teachers and leaders deliver an outstanding education to our children. If you think you can add something to our organisation please email HR with a copy of your CV and a covering letter outlining your skills, salary expectations and current situation.
Trust Support Staff – General Enquiries
- We are always keen to hear from exceptional candidates that would like to become part of the Schoolsworks team. If you think you can add something to our organisation please email HR with a copy of your CV and a covering letter outlining your skills, salary expectations and current situation.
Our Schools on the map