Head of School

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 20 April 2026
LOCATION
Pontefract
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Education
This role is not offered with visa sponsorship, though the employer is a licensed UK sponsor

SKILLS

Leadership Teaching Strategic Planning Staff Development Communication Financial Planning Safeguarding Educational Excellence

FULL DESCRIPTION

Inspire Partnership is seeking an exceptional Head of School to join our senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role where you will drive the strategic direction of the school while ensuring our children thrive in a knowledge-rich, supportive environment.

Job details

Job role Teacher Other leadership roles

Visa sponsorship Visas cannot be sponsored

Key stage Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2

Working pattern Full time: 27.5 hours a week. 5.5 hours a day, Monday to Friday.

Contract type Permanent

Pay scale L8 to L12

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for excellence in primary education? Inspire Partnership is seeking an exceptional Head of School to join our senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role where you will drive the strategic direction of the school while ensuring our children thrive in a knowledge-rich, supportive environment.

The Role

As Head of School, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, ensuring high standards of behavior and engagement. Working closely with the Executive Headteacher, you will develop a successful leadership culture that empowers staff and enables every pupil to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Executive Headteacher and Trust to implement routines, procedures, and long-term school improvement plans.
  • Educational Excellence: Act as an expert teacher and role model, taking accountability for the quality of teaching and pupil progress across the school.
  • Safeguarding: Ensure the school meets all legal statutory requirements (KCSIE) and maintains a culture where the child always comes first.
  • Staff Development: Lead, motivate, and mentor staff, identifying training needs and providing clear pathways for career progression.
  • Community Engagement: Serve as a primary ambassador for the school, building strong relationships with parents, governors, and the wider local community.

About You

We are looking for a leader who embodies our values of respect, recognition, responsibility, and resilience. You should have a proven track record of impact in a senior leadership role and a deep commitment to social equity and high aspirations for all.

Requirements:

  • Qualifications: QTS (or equivalent) and a Degree/PGCE are essential.
  • Experience: At least three years of successful senior leadership and management experience in a primary school setting.
  • Leadership Style: A strategic thinker characterized by integrity, creativity, and the ability to manage change collaboratively.
  • Technical Skills: Proficient in using data to improve pupil performance and experienced in financial planning/resource management.
  • Communication: Exceptional listening and communication skills, with the ability to handle difficult conversations and conflict with transparency.

What the school offers its staff

What We Offer

  • The opportunity to work within a collaborative and innovative Multi-Academy Trust.
  • A commitment to your professional development and wellbeing.
  • A vibrant, calm, and purposeful learning environment.
  • Employee benefits package.

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

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