Assistant Headteacher

‘Are you an experienced teacher looking to take your career to the next level? Are you passionate about inclusion and ready to develop your leadership skills? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!’ 

About the role 

Orchard Head J, I & N School are seeking to an appoint an Assistant Headteacher to join the team. This is an integral role in the overall leadership and management of the school, supporting with sustaining and building a school culture that is nurturing and rigorous. The successful candidate will share responsibility for the management of the school, as well as leading, developing and supporting outstanding quality first inclusive teaching and learning practice to ensure all pupils make the required progress and realise their potential. 

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic middle leader who is seeking to gain an insight and experience of a primary leadership role. The successful candidate will support the Headteacher in leading an aspect of the operational and ongoing strategic development of SEND, inclusion and safeguarding within the school.  

You will have the support and guidance of experienced colleagues as you step into this role and will not only contribute to the academic success of our students, but also begin a journey of personal development. Joining Orchard Head in this role offers the chance the grow professionally and make a real impact on the lives of our pupils. 

This is a 1 FTE, permanent contract, with a start date of 21 April 2025. 

Orchard Head Junior, Infant & Nursery School 

At Orchard Head, success begins with strong foundations. Our dedicated staff are committed to nurturing a lifelong love for learning in every child, empowering them to become confident, independent, and successful individuals. We take pride in our above-national Key Stage 2 attainment and progress outcomes, reflecting our unwavering focus on academic excellence. Beyond academics, our personalised development opportunities enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with memorable experiences that shape their holistic growth. Together as a school community, we celebrate our achievements and eagerly anticipate continued growth, flourishing, and success at Orchard Head. 

About Pontefract Academies Trust 

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve. The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success. Five of our primary schools rank within the top 1% nationally for progress, and our secondary schools feature among the top three secondary schools in the Wakefield district. In a testament to our dedication to educational excellence, De Lacy Primary School was recognised as an “Outstanding” school across all categories by Ofsted in March 2024, underscoring our unwavering pursuit of high standards. 

What can we offer you?  

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:  

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities 
• Generous employer pension (Teachers Pension and West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS). 
• Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (starting from 26 days annual leave, up to a maximum of 33 days dependent on length of service and grade of role – plus 8 statutory bank holidays).  
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance.  
• Cycle to work scheme.  
• Discounted gym membership  
• Free eyecare via Specsavers 
• Childcare vouchers 
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters). 
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2 
• Free flu vaccinations. 

Next steps  

Please click here to view our 2025 – 2028 Trust Strategic Plan, or click here to access the Orchard Head J,I&N School website.  

We're always thrilled to connect with potential applicants before interviews. If you're curious to learn more or would like to experience the warmth of our wonderful school through a visit, please feel free to reach out at recruitment@orchardhead.patrust.org.uk or give us a call on 01977 723495.   

Please click here   to access our website and submit your application on our Face-Ed system no later than 10:00am on Thursday 9th January 2025.  

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone. The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.