Co-Headteacher (Headteacher & Deputy Combined Role)
John Hunt Academy, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 3BN21 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 January 2027
Closing date
2 July 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
11 June 2026
Job details
Job role
- Deputy headteacher
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Full time: Full Time (0.5 HT, 0.5 DHT)
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- 0.5 HT (L18 - L22) 0.5 DHT (L12)
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking an exceptional and ambitious leader to join our forward-thinking academy as a Co-Headteacher. This unique role brings together the strategic responsibilities of a Headteacher with the operational leadership of a Deputy Headteacher, offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader ready to make a significant impact.
You will work collaboratively with an established Co-Headteacher already in post. This vacancy arises due to the retirement of the current post holder, following a highly successful period of co-headship that has strengthened leadership capacity and driven school improvement.
Together, the Co-Headteachers will provide strong, unified leadership to the school. Applicants should note that the successful co-headship team will jointly fulfil the responsibilities outlined across both the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher job descriptions. This means that, collectively, you will cover the full remit of both roles, sharing accountability for strategic direction, school performance, and day-to-day operational leadership.
We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record of improving and maintaining high standards of achievement. The successful applicant will be someone of outstanding ability, vision, and potential, who would welcome the opportunity to prove themselves in the context of a large, diverse primary school.
We are particularly interested in candidates who bring strong expertise, passion, or leadership experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND/SENCo)
- Behaviour and Inclusion
- Pastoral Care and Safeguarding
Alongside this specialist knowledge, you must demonstrate a clear and secure understanding of high-quality teaching and learning across the full primary age range, with the ability to support, develop, and inspire staff at all career stages.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is an experienced and highly effective leader with a proven track record of school improvement
- Has a strong commitment to inclusive education and meeting the needs of all learners
- Can lead with clarity, compassion, and integrity
- Has strong interpersonal skills and can build positive relationships with pupils, staff, families, and the wider community
- Is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children thrive both academically and emotionally
- Has the ability to balance strategic leadership with day-to-day operational excellence
What the school offers its staff
In return, we offer:
- A welcoming, inclusive, and supportive school community
- Enthusiastic and well-behaved children who are eager to learn
- A dedicated and hardworking staff team
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- A supportive and collaborative Trust driven by its Take Care Values
Further information about the job
The Benefits of Co-Headship
Our co-headship model has been a significant strength of the school. As shared by the retiring post holder:
*“Co-headship encourages diversity of thinking within a shared vision, with agreed aims and goals. Each of us brings different experiences, skills, and perspectives, which complement one another and take our practice to another level.
To have that diversity of thinking and experience at headship level is powerful, proactive, and feels very protective. Two heads are always better than one.”*
This role offers an exciting opportunity for a current Deputy Headteacher ready to step into a broader leadership position, or an existing Headteacher seeking a new challenge within a collaborative co-leadership model.
If you are a motivated, forward-thinking leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children, we would love to hear from you.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and are available on Friday 19th June, Thursday 25th June and Friday 26th June. To arrange these or discuss the post further please contact Head of HR Lauren Cartwright on hrdirector@shine-mat.com or by phone at 07376800653.
Completed applications and Letters of Application to be sent to hrdirector@shine-mat.com
Applications Close – Thursday 2nd July 12.00pm
Interviews - Week Commencing 13th July
Commitment to safeguarding
SHINE Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and references.
The job you are applying for is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) which requires you to disclose all spent convictions and cautions except those which are ‘protected’ under Police Act 1997
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About John Hunt Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 3 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 350 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- John Hunt Academy website
- Email address
- hrdirector@shine-mat.com
- Phone number
- 07376800653
John Hunt Academy is a larger than average primary school located in Balderton, Newark, Nottinghamshire. We currently have 366 pupils on roll, including a popular Foundation Unit.
The school was opened in 1903 and has grown steadily, with an additional three buildings being added during the 1960’s and 70’s. We are
fortunate to have extensive grounds, with a large playing field and many mature trees adding to the aesthetics of the school environment.
The school was named after John Hunt, who was an English Missionary.
In February 2021 the school made the decision to join the SHINE Multi Academy Trust, which was identified as a Trust with the same ethos
as John Hunt – to provide pupils with firm foundations whilst developing their uniqueness and allowing them to shine. The Trust’s
curriculum framework centres on three essential elements: Provision, Enhancement and Enrichment, which is at the heart of everything we
do at John Hunt.
The proportion of SEND and disadvantaged pupils is in line with the national average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an
additional language and have other ethnicities is below the national average.
John Hunt Academy is a friendly, welcoming, family orientated school. Liaison with parents and carers is strong, with several events during
the academic year, when parent/carers are welcomed into the school.
Everyone works together to raise standards and improve outcomes for all pupils. John Hunt instils in its pupils a positive attitude towards a
lifelong love of learning throughout the curriculum.
The behaviour of the pupils is good. Their conduct around school and in the classroom is calm and orderly. The John Hunt Way, the
school’s code of behaviour, is well understood and respected by the pupils, who appreciate the guidance and structure that it gives them.
The dedicated staff at John Hunt work hard, support one another and are receptive to new ideas and concepts. They have an active
interest in ensuring every pupil is provided with the best education and bring a sense of humour to school life. In short, a fantastic team to
be part of.
We would love you to visit John Hunt to see all of this for yourself and to meet the wonderful team.
Arranging a visit to John Hunt Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hrdirector@shine-mat.com.
School location
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