Headteacher
Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 2NJ14 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2025
Closing date
13 May 2025 at 11:59pm
Date listed
28 April 2025
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: This is a permanent 1 FTE contract
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £79,473.00 - £87,650.00 per annum
Pay scale
- Leadership L20 - L24
What skills and experience we're looking for
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 Orchard Head Junior, Infant & Nursery School
At Orchard Head, success begins with strong foundations. Our dedicated staff are committed to nurturing a lifelong love for learning in every child, empowering them to become confident, independent, and successful individuals. We take pride in our above-national Key Stage 2 attainment and progress outcomes, reflecting our unwavering focus on academic excellence. Beyond academics, our personalised development opportunities enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with memorable experiences that shape their holistic growth. Together as a school community, we celebrate our achievements and eagerly anticipate continued growth, flourishing, and success at Orchard Head.
About the role
We are seeking to appoint a Headteacher at Orchard Head J,I&N 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 1 September 2025.
What the school offers its staff
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
Every Day Development (EDD) Framework, including goals that are personal and flexible and professional development days to self-reflect and invest in personal development to aid staff engagement, boost wellbeing and enhance employee skills
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
Generous employer pension (Teachers Pension)
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
Childcare vouchers
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.
Further details about the role
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.
Please email adminsupport@patrust.org.uk or call 01977 232146 to arrange an informal conversation or visit to the school.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: 10:00am, Wednesday 14th May 2025
Interview Date: Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th May 2025
Start Date: Monday 1st September 2025
Application Process
Complete application form via our website
Important Links
Pontefract Academies Trust Website
Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028
Orchard Head J,I&N School Website
Contact Information
01977 232146
adminsupport@patrust.org.uk
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs are not accepted.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School
- School type
- Academy, ages 3 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary
- School size
- 340 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- adminsupport@patrust.org.uk
- Phone number
- 01977 232146
At Orchard Head J, I & N School, we aspire to be a happy, vibrant and successful school. We believe in laying the foundations on which children can build their futures. Our staff work hard to instill an early love for learning; they aim to capture and nurture it, enabling our children to grow into confident, independent and successful individuals.
Arranging a visit to Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email adminsupport@patrust.org.uk.
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