DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
SCHOOLS DEPARTMENT
Gellideg Estate, Swansea Rd, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 1LG
HEADTEACHER
ISR: Leadership Scale 15-21, full time
Number of Pupils: 206 Age Range: 3-11 School Group: 2
Closing Date: 13th May 2026
Required for September 2026
Believe, Achieve, Create Your Dreams
Thank you for your interest in applying to be our new headteacher. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate experience as an inspirational leader to build on the school’s successes and lead it into its next phase of development.
We have high expectations of our staff and pupils, which we expect you will have too. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate their ability to achieve high standards, have the foresight to make changes and adapt as necessary and to lead by example.
We are very proud of our inclusive and caring nature at Coed Y Dderwen Primary School. Our latest Estyn inspection was extremely positive. Estyn Inspection Highlights - October 2023:
•Staff ensure that the school is a calm environment, where pupils learn through a range of interesting experiences drawn from an exciting and highly innovative curriculum.
•During their time in school, nearly all pupils, including those with additional learning needs (ALN), those who are eligible for free school meals and those in the school’s learning resource base, make at least expected progress from their individual starting points.
•Across the school, pupils’ behaviour in lessons and around the school is exemplary. Nearly all pupils are polite to each other and to adults. This reflects the strong, nurturing ethos of the school.
We continue to provide high quality teaching and learning and deliver a balanced curriculum for all, enabling pupils to make good progress in their learning from their various starting points, particularly in literacy and mathematics. We strive to inspire all our children to be the very best they can be in all that they do. the school displayed good practice in curriculum design and offer which featured highly in an Estyn
We are looking for an inspirational leader who can take our school forward and enhance the good practices and standards already in place.
We are looking for a Headteacher who:
•is a strategic, visible and values-driven leader who builds strong, trusting relationships with all stakeholders, including pupils, staff, families and the wider community.
•places the wellbeing, equity and inclusion of every member of our school community at the heart of their work, ensuring all feel safe, respected and able to thrive.
•is a clear strategic thinker with a compelling vision for sustained success, and a proven track record of delivering excellence.
•is deeply committed to Coed Y Dderwen Primary as a truly inclusive community school, recognising and celebrating diversity in all its forms.
•has excellent communication and collaboration skills, enabling strong partnerships with pupils, staff, parents, governors, external agencies and the wider community. demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive practice, including experience of, or a clear dedication to, supporting pupils with a wide range of additional learning needs, including those within our Learning Resource Bases.
•is approachable, supportive and values-driven, with a genuine passion for the success and wellbeing of both staff and pupils.
•is a forward-thinking, creative and inspirational leader who uses evidence-informed practice to ensure a high-quality, inclusive curriculum and learning experience for all learners. will champion the development of Welsh language and culture across the school, the local community and the county borough, strengthening our bilingual approach to learning.
At Coed Y Dderwen Primary School, we can offer you:
•A school that is happy, welcoming, raises aspirations and is ambitious for continued success. You will join a community where positivity is at the heart of everything we do. Our school culture encourages every child to dream big, believe in themselves and strive for excellence. We take pride in creating an environment where pupils feel valued, supported and motivated to achieve their very best.
•Staff that are dedicated, hardworking, caring and always go that extra mile for our children. Our team is committed to providing high quality teaching and nurturing relationships. Staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every child feels safe, understood and inspired. Their passion for education shines through in the rich learning experiences they create each day.
•Pupils that have a real sense of belonging, who are respectful, eager to learn, creative and able to express themselves. Our children are at the centre of everything we do. They take pride in their school, show kindness to others and embrace new challenges with enthusiasm. We encourage them to think creatively, share their ideas confidently and develop the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future.
•A Governing Body that is committed to self improvement, supports and challenges everyone to ensure they fulfil their potential. Our governors play an active and thoughtful role in school life. They work collaboratively with staff and leaders, offering both encouragement and constructive challenge. Their focus on continuous improvement helps drive the school forward and ensures high standards for all.
•An environment that is safe, positive, welcoming and promotes and celebrates success. We take great care to create a school environment where children feel secure and happy. Classrooms and shared spaces are designed to support learning, wellbeing and creativity. Achievements—big and small—are recognised and celebrated, helping pupils to feel proud of their progress.
•Parents/carers who are supportive, involved and engaged in their children’s learning. We value strong partnerships with families and believe that education is most powerful when school and homework together. Our parents and carers play an active role in school life, supporting learning, attending events and contributing to the warm, community focused atmosphere we are known for.
•A community that is inclusive, diverse, supportive of the school and invested in its future. Coed Y Dderwen is proud to be part of a vibrant and diverse community. We welcome everyone and celebrate the unique strengths each family brings. Our community partners, local organisations and neighbours work alongside us to enrich opportunities for our pupils and help shape a bright future for the school.
The closing date for applications is the 13th May 2026 12pm
Shortlisting will take place on the 15th May 2026. Interviews will be carried out over two days – Date will be confirmed with successful candidates. Candidates will be informed at the end of Day 1 if they are to proceed to Day 2.
PLEASE SEE FULL ADVERT FOR FURTHER DETAILS
Safeguarding Statement
Ysgol Gynradd Coed y Dderwen is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.