Welholme - Principal

The Enquire Learning Trust; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Membership of local pension scheme

Opportunities for development and pro­

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Enquire Learning Trust invites applications for a Principal at Welholme Academy in Wakefield. The post is a permanent appointment with a focus on raising academic achievement and pupil wellbeing.

The successful candidate will lead with integrity, energy and strategic vision to drive sustained school improvement. Applicants should hold QTS and have at least five years of classroom experience, plus a proven track record of whole‑school leadership and staff development.

Qualifications

• Be a highly motivated leader with integrity, creativity and resilience.
• Holder of QTS with at least 5 years of classroom experience.
• Drive improvement through strategic vision and effective team empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to progress the school.
• Lead whole‑school development initiatives with demonstrable pupil progress impact.
• Develop and empower colleagues to achieve clear expectations.
• Communicate effectively with staff, pupils and the wider community.
• Ensure decisions prioritise the welfare and learning of children.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

People development

Change management

Education

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

Job description

Job Advert - Principal

Closing date for applications: 20 November 2026, 12.00pm

Interview Date: 8 December 2026

Reference Number: ELTOCT2611

Salary Scale Range: L19 - L26

Start Date: 12 April 2027

Contract Type: Permanent

About us:

Welholme Academy are looking to appoint an outstanding Principal who is highly motivated, a team player and passionate about raising academic achievements and nurturing the well-being of all children at our school.

About the role:

We are seeking to recruit a new leader who will:

• Be a highly motivated, energetic and successful leader with an exemplary track record in leading with integrity, creativity and resilience
• Be an enthusiastic, passionate practitioner, with QTS and at least 5 successful years classroom experience
• Continue to drive a compelling and inspiring vision with strategic leadership to progress the school.
• Understand the complexities of Welholme Academy and build upon the solid and successful foundations in place, with a continuous vision for improvement in challenging circumstances.
• Make decisions with the best interests of the children at heart
• Have a positive impact and influence on children, colleagues and the wider community, generating a contagious passion for achieving high standards in learning and delivering outstanding teaching for all
• Have a restless curiosity and eagerness to learn and develop new knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the best way forward for the school;
• Develop and empower colleagues to bring out their best, whilst holding them to account for delivering against clearly defined expectations and standards
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Have successfully led a whole school development initiative that has had demonstrable impact on pupil progress and achievement

What we can offer:

• Membership of local pension scheme
• Opportunities for development and progression
• Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Octopus EV Scheme
• Lifestyle savings

Visits to school are welcomed please contact the school office and ask for Samantha Jackson (Academy Business Manager) on 01472 329944 to arrange.

Closing date and time: 20th November 2026

Interview Date: Two Day Interview Process - 8th & 9th December 2026

DBS/Safeguarding Statement

The Enquire Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As this post involves access to children or vulnerable adults, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS.