Headteacher – Permanent - Esh Winning Academy
Esh Winning Academy, Durham, DH7 9BE10 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
27 February 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
17 February 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: 1.0FTE - Teacher’s Terms and Conditions
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L16 - L22
What skills and experience we're looking for
If you are a leader who values resilience, happiness, and innovation, we warmly invite you to help us write the next chapter of our success story.
The successful candidate will:
- Strategic and Impact-Driven Leadership - Be an experienced and accomplished leader with a proven ability to drive sustained school improvement and deliver measurable gains in pupil outcomes across all areas of responsibility.
- Deep Expertise in Primary Education - Bring a comprehensive understanding of the full primary journey, from our high-quality, oversubscribed 2 year old provision in Early Years through to the academic and pastoral demands of Key Stages 1 and 2.
- Advocate of High-Quality Play - Have a passion for outdoor and play-based learning, with experience of or a commitment to OPAL and a willingness to maintain and develop the school’s four-time Platinum status as a defining feature of its ethos.
- Curriculum Innovation - Be skilled in designing and leading a coherent, knowledge-rich curriculum, with a strong track record of translating ambition and high expectations to excellent classroom practice for all pupils.
- Inspirational Role Model-Be an exceptional classroom practitioner who leads with integrity and ambition, sets high expectations for every child, and empowers staff to continually develop and excel.
- Trusted Collaborator and Community Builder - Be committed to working in partnership across WISE Academies and with the wider community, balancing the Trust’s shared values with a clear celebration of Esh Winning’s unique identity.
- Skilled and Confident Communicator - Be an articulate, emotionally intelligent leader who builds strong, trusting relationships with staff, families, governors, and external partners.
What the school offers its staff
We can offer you the opportunity to:
- A Purpose-Built, Sustainable Setting - Lead a modern, environmentally conscious school designed to support outstanding teaching and learning, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability and future-focused education.
- Leadership within a Nationally Recognised Trust - Be part of WISE Academies, a high-performing Trust with a proven track record of school improvement, offering strong governance, clear vision, and a culture that values both collaboration and local identity.
- Outstanding Play and Learning Provision - Join a school recognised in the top 1% nationally for play, with four OPAL Platinum awards and a well-resourced, welcoming site that sits at the heart of its community.
- A Thriving Pupil Community - Work with nearly 300 curious, motivated, and respectful children who bring energy, enthusiasm, and joy to everyday school life.
- A Culture Rooted in Values and Inclusion - Lead within a creative, inclusive environment where the development of the whole child sits at the centre of decision-making, alongside a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing and sustainable workloads.
- Exceptional Professional Support and Development - Benefit from extensive Trust-wide networks and specialist central services in finance, people, estates, and school improvement, freeing you to focus on strategic leadership and high-quality teaching and learning.
- Investment in Leadership Growth - Access high-quality professional development, coaching, and autonomy within a supportive network that nurtures leaders at every stage and invests in the success of the entire workforce.
The mission of WISE Academies is to provide a high quality educational community, which offers life-changing opportunities in a safe, creative and exciting environment.
WISE Academies safeguards and protects its students and staff by being committed to respond in accordance with Local Safeguarding Board Procedures.
The Trust is committed to safer recruitment and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service clearance. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure Barring Services.
The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from as diverse a group as possible.
WISE Academies will also consider carrying out an online search for all candidates to help identify any potential issues that are publicly available online.
Applicants must have authorisation to work in the UK.
Further information about the job
For any queries, please contact WISE Recruitment Team by telephone 0191 7070125 [option 5] or e-mail recruitment@wiseacademies.co.uk
Tours of the School: Monday 16 February between 1pm and 4.30pm, Tuesday 17th between 1pm and 4:30pm and Wednesday 18 February between 9:30am and 11:30am.
Please contact the school office on 0191 373 4701 to book an individual appointment during these times. If these times are not convenient, we will try to accommodate other times. Please contact the school office for this.
Closing date: 12 noon 27 February 2026
Shortlisting: week commencing 2 March 2026
Interviews: 12 and 13 March 2026
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 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 Esh Winning Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 2 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 295 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Esh Winning Academy website
- Email address
- recruitment@wiseacademies.co.uk
- Phone number
- 01917070125
Following the retirement of our long-standing Headteacher, the Trust is seeking an inspirational, visionary leader to guide Esh Winning Academy into its next chapter. This is a rare and significant opportunity to lead a school that seamlessly blends high academic ambition with a profound commitment to childhood.
Home to nearly 300 energetic and enthusiastic pupils, Esh Winning Academy sits at the very heart of our village community. Our children are our greatest asset; they are known for their fantastic learning behaviours, genuine respect for one another, and a spirit that makes our school a truly wonderful place to lead.
What makes this role unique is our commitment to an education that extends well beyond the classroom. We are currently one of only five schools in the UK designated as an OPAL Honours School. Having secured four consecutive Platinum Awards, our all-weather outdoor provision is a national exemplar of how play drives physical and emotional development. This "quality mark" defines our culture, attracting forward-thinking educators who understand that high-caliber academic standards and a rich, active childhood are not mutually exclusive.
Beyond play, we focus on developing empowered citizens. Through initiatives like our Mini Police project with Durham Constabulary and our WISE Childhood Pledge, we provide structured opportunities for students to grow into respectful, leadership-ready individuals. This is supported by a "whole-family" approach to education; whether through our Greggs Breakfast Club or our dedicated staff who support families with everything from sleep routines to emotional wellbeing, we pride ourselves on being a nurturing community hub.
As a Rights Respecting school, inclusivity is woven into everything we do. We foster an environment where diversity is celebrated and stereotypes are challenged, ensuring every child feels a deep sense of belonging. You will be supported by a staff team defined by their unwavering commitment and passion for delivering high-quality, inclusive experiences for every child, regardless of their starting point.
Arranging a visit to Esh Winning Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@wiseacademies.co.uk.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Headteacher St John's C of E Academy
St John's Church of England Academy
Fenby Avenue, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4UB
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed