Headteacher

Dear Candidate,
Thank you for expressing an interest in the role of Headteacher of Blackthorns Community Primary Academy.
Blackthorns is a welcoming and inclusive community. Our values underpin our aim to nurture and inspire our pupils. We aspire to the highest standards in teaching and also seek to build a lifelong love of learning and a foundation of healthy relationships between pupils and with the adults who work with them. Your role would be to lead and contribute to the maintenance and development of these strong fruitful relationships.
We have an excellent team at Blackthorns – teachers, teaching assistants and support staff. We are looking for a leader with the capabilities to take us forward from a challenging period to form a new identity for the school and to help us deliver the highest possible standard of education to our children. A strong leader but also one who is compassionate and will enable our staff to flourish and deliver their best work.
Our local governing body is new and engaged, there is an active parent teacher association (Friends of Blackthorns School) and an energetic and supportive community. Hurst Educational Trust (HET) will give you the expert support that you require.
If you would like to work with us at our wonderful local school and believe that you have the talents and attributes to help us flourish, then please get in touch by contacting the school office. Also, come and visit, meet us all and see Blackthorns for yourself.
I look forward to meeting you.
With best wishes
Robert (Bob) Baker
Chair of Governors
School Overview
Blackthorns is a happy, inclusive and creative school located in the beautiful village of Lindfield, close to Haywards Heath in West Sussex. As a small and supportive community, we value all children and adults as individuals with their own strengths and talents.
Through our core school values of kindness, respect, independence, teamwork and determination, we work hard to support the children to grow academically, socially and emotionally, so that they leave us as confident young people, ready for their next stage of education.
We are fortunate to be surrounded by a talented and hardworking group of staff, who are fully committed to enabling the children to become the very best they can be. They invest time and effort in getting to know the children and building strong and trusting relationships so that there is a deep sense of belonging to our school and community.
We are fortunate to benefit from a large school site with two playgrounds, a large school field and woodland area, which all enhance the learning experiences.
Having become an academy in 2015, we are now looking forward to the many benefits of joining the Hurst Education Trust (HET) in summer 2026.
We are excited to be beginning the search for our new Headteacher and would very much like to welcome you to Blackthorns for a tour and to find out a bit more about our school and community.
Pupils (Capacity) 210 (206 currently on roll)
SEN 11.3%
EHCP 2.5%
EAL 7%
FSM 3%
Ofsted Outstanding – 2018 Ungraded inspection – 2025
Attainment KS2
(2025 data) Combined: 77%
Reading: 93%
Writing: 77%
Maths: 93%
EYFS GLD: 73%
Year 1 phonics screening: 87%
PLEASE NOTE that to apply, you must download the HURST EDUCATION TRUST APPLICATION FORM. You cannot apply via this portal.
Please see attached for vacancy pack & HET application form and below for application process.
To Apply -
The application process
Prospective candidates are encouraged to make contact to discuss the role.
To arrange a visit to the school please contact the school office on 01444 454866 or email: office@blackthornsprimaryacademy.org.uk
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Michelle Zeidler, Director of Education at mzeidler@hurst.education
Interested candidates should submit a covering letter and completed application form to Sue Atkinson, HR Director at sue.atkinson@hppc.co.uk
The closing date for applications is Sunday 10 May 2026
Interviews will be held on Monday 18 May 2026
Safeguarding and equal opportunities Blackthorns Community Primary Academy is an equal opportunities employer, and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. There will be a need for the successful applicant to undertake a criminal record check via the DBS. Hurst Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, the receipt of satisfactory references, the pre-employment medical questionnaire, relevant original ID documentation and examination certificates. The Trust understands that a robust, fair and transparent recruitment and selection policy plays a central role in achieving this aim.
Terms and conditions
National School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions apply.
Blackthorns
Blackthorns Close, Lindfield, West Sussex, RH16 2UA
Hurst Education Trust
College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 9JS
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