Headteacher

West End Academy, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF9 4QJ

19 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  18 May 2026 at 8am

• Date listed

  29 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: L12-L18
• Additional allowances:

  L12-L18

Headteacher job summary

This is a rare opportunity to lead a school that is already strong, and to take it forward at a point of real momentum. Following twelve years of dedicated leadership, the current headteacher leaves a secure and well-established foundation on which the next leader can build with confidence.

West End Academy is part of Waterton Academy Trust, a group of primary, special and early years settings across Wakefield and Barnsley. The trust is rooted in collaboration, shared responsibility and a belief that success is a shared experience. Leaders work closely together, drawing on collective expertise while maintaining strong school identity and autonomy.

Inspection evidence shows a school that is thriving. Pupils receive an exceptional education, achieve highly and respond well to the school’s high expectations. The curriculum is broad, carefully sequenced and well taught, with strong subject knowledge across staff. Reading is prioritised, behaviour is strong, and pupils are safe, happy and proud of their school.

Outcomes reflect this strength. Over time, attainment at the expected standard in reading, writing and maths is consistently above national averages. Writing is a particular strength, and pupils achieve well across subjects. The school serves a community with high levels of deprivation, yet maintains strong outcomes and high expectations for all pupils.

The successful candidate will lead a committed staff team and work closely with trust leaders and peers across Waterton. The role focuses on sustaining high standards, strengthening leadership at all levels and ensuring consistency of practice across the school. There is strong trust support in areas such as curriculum, inclusion, safeguarding and professional development.

The right candidate will be clear, grounded and values-led, able to work with others, develop people and keep the focus on improving outcomes for all pupils.

If you are ready to lead a school with strong foundations, clear moral purpose and the backing of a collaborative trust, we look forward to receiving your application.

Warm Regards,

Dave Dickinson OBE

CEO

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.

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 school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About West End Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 189 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: West End Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/west-end-academy

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