Head of School (Primary)

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Bradford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Exceed Academies Trust is recruiting a Head of School (Primary) for Appleton Academy in Bradford. The role leads strategic and operational direction for the primary phase, working with Executive Headteacher and other Trust leaders to drive excellence in teaching, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

The successful candidate will inspire staff, engage families and raise outcomes, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on leadership within a vibrant, diverse community.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of improving outcomes for pupils.
• Inspirational and visible leadership.
• High aspirations for every child regardless of background.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with effective day-to-day leadership.
• Understanding that culture matters and how to build trust and excellence.
• Strong understanding of primary education and curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Champion outstanding teaching, learning and achievement.
• Lead and develop a talented and committed staff team.
• Create a culture where pupils thrive, staff flourish and families feel valued.
• Drive continuous improvement through strong leadership and evidence-informed practice.
• Develop future leaders and build capacity across the school.
• Ensure safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing remain central to all work.
• Play a key role within a Trust that collaborates for all children.

Skills

Proven track record of improving pupil

Inspiring leadership

High aspirations for every child

Strategic & operational leadership

Culture matters and building trust

Primary education & curriculum

Resilience

Collaborative leadership

Job description

This is more than a Headship. It's an opportunity to shape the future.

Some leadership opportunities come around rarely.

This is one of them.

At Appleton Academy, we are looking for an exceptional leader to become our next Head of School (Primary). Following a previous recruitment campaign, we have chosen to re-advertise because we are committed to finding the right person for this pivotal role. We know that outstanding leadership changes lives, and we are determined to appoint someone who shares our ambition for every child, every family and every member of staff.

Why Appleton?

Appleton Academy is a unique all-through academy serving a vibrant and diverse community in Bradford. Our primary phase is full of potential, characterised by remarkable children, dedicated staff, supportive families and a community that deserves the very best.

We are proud of what we have achieved, but we are not standing still.

We are looking for a leader who can inspire others, build on our strengths and help drive the next stage of our journey. Someone who believes that high expectations and genuine care go hand in hand. Someone who understands that great schools are built through strong relationships, excellent teaching and an unwavering belief that every child can succeed.

The Opportunity

As Head of School (Primary), you will work closely with the Executive Headteacher, Head of School (Secondary) and other Trust leaders to provide strategic and operational leadership for the primary phase.

You will:

• Champion outstanding teaching, learning and achievement.
• Lead and develop a talented and committed staff team.
• Create a culture where pupils thrive, staff flourish and families feel valued.
• Drive continuous improvement through strong leadership and evidence-informed practice.
• Develop future leaders and build capacity across the school.
• Ensure that safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing remain at the heart of everything we do.
• Play a key role within a collaborative Trust that believes in working together for the benefit of all children.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are seeking a leader who:

• Has a proven track record of improving outcomes for pupils.
• Is an inspirational and visible presence who brings people together.
• Has high aspirations for every child regardless of background or circumstance.
• Can balance strategic thinking with effective day-to-day leadership.
• Understands that culture matters and knows how to build trust, accountability and excellence.
• Has a strong understanding of primary education and curriculum development.
• Is resilient, optimistic and energised by challenge.
• Can work collaboratively within a wider Trust while retaining a clear vision for the school they lead.

Why Join Exceed Academies Trust?

At Exceed Academies Trust, we believe that great schools are led by great people.

You will benefit from:

• A strong and supportive Executive Leadership Team.
• Access to extensive professional development and leadership coaching.
• Opportunities to collaborate with talented leaders across our family of schools.
• A culture that invests in people and values wellbeing.
• The opportunity to genuinely influence the lives of children, families and communities across Bradford.

Most importantly, you will never be alone. You will be part of a Trust that believes in collaboration over isolation and development over perfection.

A Final Word

We know that exceptional leaders have choices.

Together with our community, we achieve extraordinary things.

Visit us. Talk to us. See the potential for yourself.

This could be the leadership opportunity you've been waiting for.

Exceed Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to related online content checks, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check as well as successful completion of a probationary period.

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.

Exceed Academies Trust recognises and promotes the positive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in certain situations. We would encourage any job applicants, who choose to utilise AI when completing a vacancy application, to thoroughly check the data prior to submission, to ensure it is accurate, factual and demonstrable. Candidate suitability will be assessed at interview, however the recruitment process will reference information contained in the candidate’s application form. Any information contained within application form which is found to be factually inaccurate, may result in a conditional offer of employment being withdrawn.