Headteacher
Upperthong Junior and Infant School, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 2LE17 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
9 March 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
20 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: Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L11-L17
What skills and experience we're looking for
We would welcome applications from candidates who are able to evidence and to commit to the following:
- Building and sustaining a strong collaborative staff team, supporting colleagues’ wellbeing, professional growth and shared responsibility for pupils.
- Showing decisive accountability in responding to bullying and inappropriate behaviour, ensuring swift, fair and transparent actions
- Holding high expectations for conduct from pupils and adults alike with zero tolerance for harmful or unsafe behaviour,
- Being a visible value driven leader who models calm, consistency and emotional regulation.
- Leading with clarity and coherence so that systems, staff practice and ethos align to meet the needs of all children.
- Showing courageous leadership, empathy and the ability to make difficult decisions in the best interests of the children.
- Leading a committed and caring team, fostering a culture of positivity, inclusivity, and professional growth
- Leading a restorative, relational culture where behaviour is understood, addressed and repaired – not ignored or excused.
- Engaging fully in all areas of school life, bringing a sense of humour and approachability
- Building strong relationships with children, families, and the local community
- Providing a safe, caring and happy environment
- Ensuring safeguarding and the well-being of every pupil is paramount
We are proud of our traditions, our strong school ethos, and our commitment to serving our community. We are looking for someone who takes pride in our school, values every child as an individual, and is willing to embrace both the academic and social aspects of school life.
What the school offers its staff
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead a welcoming, diverse, and ambitious school community
- Supportive and dedicated staff team
- A focus on well-being and professional development for all staff
- Strong relationships with families and the local community
Further information about the job
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
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 Upperthong Junior and Infant School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 202 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Upperthong Junior and Infant School website
- Email address
- office@upperthongschool.co.uk
- Phone number
- 01484 683176
Upperthong School is a semi-rural school on the outskirts of the town of Holmfirth; around 7 miles from the larger town of Huddersfield. The school has an idyllic setting, with wonderful grounds and stunning views of the surrounding Pennine countryside. We are very proud of our grounds: a large field, a woodland area and play spaces large enough for all our children to play together. The building is 56 years old and is organised into 7 single age classes with 2 additional teaching spaces.
The school has a strong staff team and is well supported by the governing body. We encourage links with the wider community; working with the onsite playgroup, the local minister and other local groups.
In February 2023 we were visited by Ofsted and the inspector had this to say about our school :
‘Pupils flourish at Upperthong Junior and Infant School. Relationships between adults and pupils are kind and respectful. Leaders have provided a broad and interesting curriculum for all pupils. They make sure this includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As a result, pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school.
Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. From Reception to Year 6, pupils know the simple school rules: ‘ready, respectful, safe’. Adults show by example how they want pupils to behave. Pupils respond by being courteous, polite and cheerful. They are attentive in lessons and work purposefully on the tasks they are given.
Bullying is extremely rare. When pupils fall out, staff help them to sort things out. Pupils learn about diversity in the school community and the wider world. They respect and value people who are different to themselves.
There are a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. Leaders call this a ‘singing school’. Pupils and staff enjoy the singing assemblies. Many pupils love being a part of the large school choir. All pupils learn to play the glockenspiel and some have individual instrument tuition. There are many clubs for pupils to enjoy, including drama, book club, film club and a range of sporting activities. The before- and after-school club provides a homely, safe space for those pupils who use it.’
Arranging a visit to Upperthong Junior and Infant School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email office@upperthongschool.co.uk.
School location
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