- Organisation type
- Local authority maintained school, Church of England, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- Size
- 54 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
Executive Headteacher
More than one location, North Yorkshire local authority61 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 January 2027
Closing date
20 September 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
20 July 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L10 – L16 (£66,956 - £77,676)
What skills and experience we're looking for
You will be an inspirational and visible leader, led by Christian values and vision. You will have with a proven commitment to achieving the best outcomes for all children. Whether you are an experienced Headteacher or an aspiring leader ready for your first headship, you will bring the passion, resilience and strategic thinking needed to lead a unique federation across two sites.
We are looking for an inspirational leader with a strong track record of improving teaching, learning and pupil outcomes, alongside a clear commitment to inclusion and ensuring that every child achieves their full potential. The successful candidate will bring experience of, or a strong passion for SEND provision, pupil wellbeing and creating an environment in which all children can flourish.
They will champion our Christian vision and values, ensuring they remain central to the life of the federation and underpin both strategic decision-making and everyday practice. As a highly visible and approachable leader, they will build strong and trusting relationships with pupils, staff, families, governors and the wider community.
The successful candidate will be committed to developing others through high-quality professional development, coaching and support, enabling staff to grow and thrive in their roles. They will combine strong strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach, leading with optimism, integrity and compassion while maintaining high expectations for all members of the school community.
What the school offers its staff
The Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne is a federation of two small Church of England village schools with enthusiastic and engaged pupils and dedicated staff. We have been rated Good in our last Ofsted report and aspire to be exceptional in the future. We are now seeking a committed and forward-thinking Executive Headteacher who will bring a reassuring and steady presence during the next phase of the federation's journey, leading with clarity, compassion and purpose. They will ensure that our vision remains at the heart of decision-making and daily practice, shaping a culture where high expectations, strong relationships and inclusive values enable every child and adult to flourish. Through effective engagement with families, the church and wider community, they will continue to strengthen our role as a vibrant and welcoming federation.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead two thriving rural schools with a strong Christian ethos, supportive governors, committed staff and highly engaged communities. With a newly developed curriculum ready for implementation, a stable financial position and a clear vision for the future, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build on existing strengths whilst driving continued improvement in curriculum delivery, inclusion, SEND provision and pupil outcomes.
This is a full-time Executive Headteacher post with no timetabled teaching responsibilities. However, we are looking for a Headteacher who will be visible in the classroom, and who is prepared to model exemplary teaching.
We can offer you:
- A positive and supportive culture that encourages all staff to grow, flourish, and reach their full potential.
- A unique opportunity to unlock the schools’ full potential and lead Middleham and Spennithorne Primary Schools toward becoming a shining example of excellence in primary education.
- Strong and consistent support from the Local Authority, the Diocese, a dedicated Governing Board, and a team of experienced, passionate, and committed staff.
- A Governing Body that is actively engaged and supportive, including in navigating sensitive matters and prioritising staff wellbeing.
- A collaborative local network, offering a valuable forum for sharing ideas, challenges, and best practice.
The next Executive Headteacher will inherit a federation where people matter deeply and will have the opportunity to strengthen a culture in which pupils, staff and families can all flourish together. If you share our ambition for every child to live a "Fruitful Life, Rooted in Love", we would be delighted to hear from you.
Further information about the job
The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.
For further information about our opportunity, please visit our dedicated recruitment microsite: https://nyresourcing.co.uk/federation-of-middleham-va-and-spennithorne-v-primary-schools/
Commitment to safeguarding
This post is subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children. An online search may be undertaken as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYCC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About the schools
- Email address
- ashley.benford@northyorks.gov.uk
- Phone number
- 07814 932389
School Details
Spennithorne Church of England Primary School
Middleham Church of England Aided School
- Organisation type
- Local authority maintained school, Church of England, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- Size
- 47 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
Arranging a visit to North Yorkshire local authority
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email ashley.benford@northyorks.gov.uk.
School locations
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