Head of School

Pontefract Academies Trust; Pontefract; On-site; GBP 66,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading Multi-Academy Trust as a Head of School at Larks Hill Junior and Infant School. This role focuses on fostering excellence in teaching and learning through strategic leadership, aiming to enhance student outcomes and build a dynamic school community. The ideal candidate will be passionate about shaping the future of education and equipped with proven leadership qualities.

Benefits

Outstanding CPD opportunities

Flexible goal-based learning framework

Everyday Development Days

Energise and Engage Weeks

Laptop provision

Family friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Employee wellbeing programme

Discounted gym membership

Free flu vaccinations

Qualifications

• A track record in strategic leadership within education.
• Innovative and results-driven with a focus on improving student outcomes.
• Experience in managing teams and delivering whole school change.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Larks Hill J&I School to drive educational improvement.
• Foster a positive school culture and community engagement.
• Ensure effective management of teaching staff and student performance.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Change Management

Effective Communication

Motivational Skills

Education

QTS and GTC registered

Degree or equivalent qualification

Participation in relevant CPD

Job description

Establishment: Larks Hill Junior and Infant School Location: Larks Hill Junior and Infant school Salary: £66,916.00 - £73,817.00 FTE per annum Department: Senior Leadership Team Job Type: Full Time

Closing Date:25/06/2025 10:00 Interview Date: Monday 30th June & Tuesday 1st July 2025 Start Date: 5th January 2026 (or as soon as possible)

Additional Information

Establishment: Larks Hill Junior and Infant School Location: Larks Hill Junior and Infant school Salary: £66,916.00 - £73,817.00 FTE per annum Department: Senior Leadership Team Job Type: Full Time Closing Date:25/06/2025 10:00 Interview Date: Monday 30th June & Tuesday 1st July 2025 Start Date: 5th January 2026 (or as soon as possible)

Additional Information

Contract Type: Permanent Contract Term: TTO - Term time only Hours per Week: 32.50 Weeks per Year: 52.143 Pay Grade: Leadership Staff | L13 - L17

The Role

About Pontefract Academies Trust

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve.

The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success. Our primary outcomes at Key Stage 2 now sit 27% above the national average, with five out of the seven in the top 5% in the country for combined outcomes. Three of our primary schools – De Lacy, Carleton Park and Larks Hill – were recognised as Outstanding across all areas in their most recent Ofsted inspections.

Our secondary schools Key Stage 4 results for English, Maths and Science are well above national average and both schools had successful visits from Ofsted in 2024 and 2022.

About Larks Hill J&I School

Larks Hill, a high-achieving school both locally and nationally, is a one form entry primary school, part of Pontefract Academies Trust. At Larks Hill, we are committed to investing in all of our children to prepare and provide them with the educational and life skills they will need to be successful in high school and future careers.

We want children to be the ‘very best version of themselves’. In 2023 & 2024 we achieved 93% for reading, writing and maths with 39% of the 2024 cohort achieving greater depth in reading, writing and maths, leading us to being recognised as one of the top ten highest achieving schools in Yorkshire. Additionally, we proudly secured the 121st spot in the prestigious 2024 'Times Top 500 Primary Schools in England' list, firmly establishing us within the top 3% of primary schools across the country. In March 2025, Ofsted praised the school as outstanding in all five inspected judgement areas, confirming our commitment to excellence.

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a Head of School at Larks Hill J&I School.

If you have a proven track record of working strategically at a senior leadership level, to deliver successful whole school change, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a school with huge potential and be part of a thriving and supportive Trust. You must believe in the school and the Trust’s values and be motivated to make a difference.

Your professional development will be a key priority, and you will have the support of a highly skilled and experienced network of senior leaders.

You must be flexible, not precious, or territorial, and able to combine operational, hands-on leadership with clear strategic planning and direction. Your positive, can-do spirit will engage and inspire students, staff, and parents/carers. Above all else, you must be passionate about improving the life chances of children and young people and aspire to make them outstanding citizens.

This is a 1 FTE, permanent contract, with a start date of 5 January 2026 (or as soon as possible).

What can we offer you?

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.
• For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff withthree Everyday Development (EDD) Days. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.
• Energise and Engage Weeks throughout the year, where no meetings take place. These dedicated weeks prioritise personal professional development, support work-life balance, and allow for an early finish on designated days
• Laptop
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Blue Light card
• Discounted gym membership
• Free eyecare via Specsavers
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2
• Free flu vaccinations.

School Visits and Further Information

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact our Chief Executive Officer, Julian Appleyard OBE for further information or an informal conversation about the role. Potential candidates are welcome to visit out school. this is a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and get a feel for the vibrant community we have built here. We look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have.

• Application Deadline: 10:00am, Wednesday 25th June 2025
• Interview Date: Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July 2025
• Start Date: Monday 5th January 2026 (or as soon as possible)

Application Process

• Complete application form via our website

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone. The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.

Qualifications

Qualification Title

Grade

Degree or equivalent qualification Essential

QTS and GTC registered Essential

Evidence of participation in recent relevant continuing professional development relevant to a strategic leadership post Essential

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.

Apply for this role

Submit your application today with our simple application process

Larks Hill
Pontefract
West Yorkshire
WF8 4RJ