Head of School

Penny Field School; Leeds; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Penny Fields School in the United Kingdom is seeking an inspiring Head of School to join our Senior Management Team. Working with the Executive Principal, you will shape strategic vision, drive curriculum excellence and foster a safe, high-achieving culture across the academy.

You will lead day-to-day operations, translate national and local ambitions into strategic plans that improve pupil progress, staff development and safeguarding practices, ensuring a personalised entitlement for pupils

Qualifications

• Experience as a senior leader with ability to establish and sustain expert teaching for pupils with complex needs.
• Passion for a broad, balanced curriculum and personalised entitlement for all pupils.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day school leadership, ensuring effective organisation and safeguarding practices.
• Translate national and local visions into strategic plans to improve pupil progress and staff development.

Job description

Head of School at Penny Fields School Scale: L14-18

Penny Field School is a special school for children and young people aged 2-19 with severe and complex needs. It is a unique setting with incredible young people who deserve the absolute best in care and education that we can provide. We strive to deliver the best curriculum, with the most appropriate resources and equipment in order to support the young people’s journey into adulthood.

We are seeking an inspiring and collaborative leader to join our Senior Management Team as Head of School. Working hand in hand with the Executive Principal, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic vision, driving curriculum excellence and fostering a positive, safe and high achieving culture across the academy.

As Head of School, you will manage the day to day leadership, organisation and efficiency of our setting. Your core focus will be translating national and local visions into strategic plans that directly improve pupil progress, enhance staff development and embed robust safeguarding practices.

Who we are looking for:

• An experienced leader, innovator and practitioner with the ability to establish and sustain expert teaching that meets the diverse and special educational needs of our pupils.

• Passionate about a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring all children access a structured and personalised entitlement that prepares them for life beyond school.

• Able to lead the school on a day to day basis with support and guidance from the executive team, fostering a spirit of understanding, cooperation and respect.

We need a leader who is highly motivated, with the resilience and focus to join us on our journey. Only the very best will do, as our children deserve only the best.

Why join us?

This vacancy is available as a direct result of an internal promotion within the Trust. We don’t just talk about professional development; we actively champion, support and invest in our leaders to help them reach their full potential.

You can see all the benefits of working for us here: https://wellspringacademytrust.co.uk/careers/why-join-us/

• Closing Date for applications is 8am on Friday 25 September 2026
• Interviews will be held on Thursday 1 October 2026
• Shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation as part of the assessment process.

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview.

Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/ countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.