Executive Headteacher

Exceed Academies Trust; Bradford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in Bradford is seeking an Executive Headteacher for Appleton Academy, which serves students aged 3-16. The successful candidate will demonstrate proven leadership skills, drive impactful educational change, and foster an inclusive environment for all. The role offers opportunities for personal development and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

State-of-the-art facilities

Employee Assistance Programme

Gym access

Excellent pension contribution scheme

Opportunities for development

Qualifications

• Proven experience of leading impactful change.
• Strong record of improving outcomes in education.
• Values-driven leadership promoting success for all children.

Responsibilities

• Lead both Primary and Secondary phases of the academy.
• Drive change and improve outcomes for students.
• Engage with school life with passion and resilience.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic change management

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Passion for education

Motivating others

Education

Executive Leadership qualification (NPQH, NPQEL, NLE)

Job description

Exceed Academies Trust strives to be an employer of choice. We are an inclusive and diverse multi academy trust and ultimately, our aim is to employ a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. We are committed to achieving a balanced workforce at all levels, whilst ensuring that no individual is disadvantaged or treated less favourably. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities and will ensure a fair recruitment process without discrimination, in compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

Executive Headteacher – Appleton Academy

Appleton Academy is an all‑through school educating children and young people aged 3‑16 years old, with approximately 1,254 students. The school provides primary and secondary provision, as well as resources for pupils with communication, language and autistic spectrum conditions. In November 2021 Ofsted judged the Academy to be "Good", and the school has since earned further accolades, including Secondary School of the Year 2025 (Bradford Education Awards), Arts Mark Gold Award, and the Inclusion Quality Mark. The Executive Headteacher will demonstrate a successful track record of strategic leadership and sustainable school improvement, and will continue to inspire and motivate staff, pupils and the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead both the Primary and Secondary phases of the academy in collaboration with the existing Heads of School.
• Drive impactful change and improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Engage in all aspects of school life with passion and resilience.

Key Qualifications

• Proven experience of leading impactful change across primary and/or secondary schools, with a strong record of improving outcomes.
• Values‑driven and ethical leadership championing equity and inclusion, ensuring every child, especially those from disadvantaged or under‑represented backgrounds, succeeds.
• Relevant Executive Leadership qualification such as NPQH, NPQEL, or membership as a National Leader of Education (NLE), or similar.

Benefits

• A highly inclusive approach to learning.
• A state‑of‑the‑art building and facilities.
• Supportive Trust central team, school leadership, governors, staff and parents.
• Opportunities for further development and training.
• A healthy work‑life balance.
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free, on‑site parking and access to gym facilities.
• Excellent employer pension contribution scheme.

Exceed Academies Trust is an employer of choice and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities. We provide a fair recruitment process without discrimination, in compliance with the Equality Act 2010.