Headteacher

 Are you an innovative leader with a vision for excellence? Do you have the capabilities to steer Carleton Park Junior and Infant School towards outstanding, whilst encouraging transformative growth and maintaining our culture of excellence? If so, we want to hear from you! 

Carleton Park Junior & Infant School, recognised as the highest attaining primary school in Wakefield Local Authority and the joint highest attaining school in West Yorkshire, is in pursuit of a new Headteacher to join the team. The successful candidate will be instrumental in further enhancing the quality of provision and educational experience for our students, working alongside a committed and talented team who have high ambitions for our young people to succeed. 

At Carleton Park, we prioritise creating an enriching educational setting that celebrates the unique achievements of every pupil. Renowned for our exceptional academic achievements, both locally and nationally, we take immense pride in being recognised as the leading school in the Wakefield District and the joint highest attaining school in West Yorkshire. 

Our commitment to excellence is evident as we featured among the top 1% of primary schools nationwide for progress and attainment. In the esteemed 2024 'Times Top 500 Primary Schools in England' list, our school proudly secured the 310th spot, placing us among the top 3% of primary schools across the country, reflecting our ongoing commitment to nurturing pupil potential. 

Your professional development will be a key priority and you will have the support of a highly skilled and experienced network of senior leaders. 

If you have a proven track record of working strategically at a senior leadership level, to deliver successful whole school change, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a school with huge potential and be part of a thriving and supportive Trust. You must believe in the school and the Trust’s values and be motivated to make a difference. 

You must be flexible, not precious, or territorial, and able to combine operational, hands-on leadership with clear strategic planning and direction. Your positive, can-do spirit will engage and inspire students, staff, and parents/carers. Above all else, you must be passionate about improving the life chances of children and young people and aspire to make them outstanding citizens.  

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. Renowned for our commitment to excellence, the Trust has achieved remarkable success, with five of our primary schools ranking within the top 1% nationally for progress. Additionally, 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 2022 – 2025 Trust Strategic Plan, or click here to access the Carleton Park Junior & Infant School website.   

For a conversation about the role, prospective candidates are advised to contact Julian Appleyard OBE, CEO of the Trust. Please email recruitment@patrust.org.uk or call 01977 232146. 

Please click here  to access our website and submit your application on our Face-Ed system. 

Closing date: 10:00am on Friday 7th June 2024 

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 10th June 2024 

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.