Headteacher

Upton Primary School, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF9 1JS

15 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  Easter 2027 or sooner by negotiation

• Closing date

  6 November 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  22 October 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
• Full time equivalent salary: £78,702- £91,158 pending 3.5% pay award

What skills and experience we're looking for

Following the retirement of our highly valued and well-regarded Headteacher in August 2026, Upton Primary School has benefited from a period of interim leadership that has maintained the school's strong inclusive ethos and continued focus on improvement. The Governors are now seeking to appoint a committed and forward-thinking Headteacher to provide long-term strategic leadership and guide the school through the next stage of its development

Our inclusive ethos:

• We are committed to meeting the needs of all learners, including those with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and pupils from diverse backgrounds
• We value individuality, promote equality and ensure all children feel safe, valued and able to succeed
• We work closely with families, external agencies and professionals to secure the best outcomes for pupils
• Our curriculum and wider provision reflect our belief that every child should have access to rich, meaningful learning experiences

We are looking for a Headteacher who:

• Is a passionate and visible leader with a clear vision for high‑quality teaching and learning for all
• Has a strong commitment to inclusive practice and pupil wellbeing
• Has a proven track record of school leadership and raising standards
• Can inspire, motivate and develop staff, building on existing strengths
• Works effectively in partnership with governors, parents, carers and the wider community
• Has the skills, experience and resilience to lead change while maintaining stability and continuity

What the school offers its staff

Upton Primary School is a welcoming, highly inclusive school at the heart of its community. We are proud of our nurturing ethos, strong sense of belonging and high aspirations for every child. Inclusion is central to who we are and underpins our approach to teaching, learning, wellbeing and pastoral care.

We offer:

• Happy, enthusiastic pupils who are proud of their school
• A dedicated, reflective and caring staff team committed to inclusion and continuous improvement
• A supportive and experienced Governing Body
• The opportunity to shape the future direction of a school with inclusion at its core

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.

Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school to experience all the Upton has to offer, Please contact Deborah Martin, school business manager, on 01977 650820 to arrange a mutual convenient date and time.

Please note Upton Primary is committed to safeguarding the children in our care as such rigorous pre-employment checks are undertaken in line with KCSIE 2026 including a requirement to complete a self-disclosure form and online searches of shortlisted candidates. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates.

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.

About Upton Primary School

• Organisation type: Local authority maintained school, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 453 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Upton Primary School website
• Email address: hrdirect@wakefield.gov.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/upton-primary-school-pontefract

Arranging a visit to Upton Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hrdirect@wakefield.gov.uk.

School location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in West Yorkshire