East Lothian Council is seeking two Head Teachers to lead its newest primary schools which are due to open in August 2025.
The appointments of Head Teachers are exciting milestones in the development of Blindwells and Craighall primary school communities and we look forward to sharing further news in early Spring.
Head Teacher recruitment has opened for Blindwells and Craighall Primary Schools which are currently under construction. The successful candidates will be responsible for the establishment of their respective school communities, recruiting staff teams and developing curricular ethos, vision and values. Children who have moved into the catchment areas are currently being hosted within Cockenzie (Blindwells) and Stoneyhill (Craighall) schools. Once on board, the new recruits will be based within those environments to allow them to build relationships with their children and families take forward planning for their new schools.
East Lothian Local Development Plan
Both schools are needed to accommodate growing school rolls in the local areas due to house building. Permission has been granted for 1600 houses at Blindwells and the East Lothian Local Development Plan allocates land for 1500 houses within the Craighall development site. East Lothian Council’s development partner Hub South East was appointed to deliver the schools with Balfour Beatty working as the principal contractor. Construction began in February 2024 with project costs for both schools combined estimated at £49.6 million, predominately funded through Section 75 developer contributions.
Supportive education authority
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “These are fantastic opportunities for anyone looking to further their career within a supportive education authority. The Head Teacher will shape every aspect of the development of a brand new school from staffing, teaching and learning, as well as its ethos and place within its community. And, of course, they will have the benefit of a modern, first class building with spaces to inspire staff and learners.
“The appointments of Head Teachers are exciting milestones in the development of Blindwells and Craighall primary school communities and we look forward to sharing further news in early Spring.”
Construction well underway
Work on both sites is well underway with completion of the frame, main roof and installation of skylights and windows. Activity continues on external brickwork, hard standing paths and internal partitions as well as connections to services. Aerial footage shows the size and scale of the projects and their relation to the surrounding areas. Each school will provide accommodation for up to 420 learners and an early learning and childcare centre offering 100 places for 2-5 year olds.
The Head Teacher positions are advertised on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk. The closing date is 19 January 2025 to start in March 2025.