Headteacher

Headteacher

North Featherstone Junior, Infant and Nursery School, Pontefract

Salary:L17-L23 (£76,772-£88,951) pending pay award

Start date:1 September 2027 or earlier if possible

Interview Dates: Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th December 2026

Closing Date: Sunday 22nd November 2026

Following the recent retirement of our long serving Headteacher, the Governors of North Featherstone Junior, Infant and Nursery School are seeking to appoint an exceptional, inspirational and forward-thinking leader to lead our school into its next exciting chapter.

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious Headteacher who will build on our many strengths while providing the vision, drive and leadership needed to ensure every child, every member of staff and every stakeholder can thrive. We are looking for a leader who is passionate about inclusion, committed to excellence and determined to achieve the very best outcomes for all.

North Featherstone JIN 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.

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 and ambitious learning experiences.
• We believe that every child deserves to be inspired, challenged and supported to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for a Headteacher who:

• Is an ambitious, inspirational and highly visible leader with a compelling vision for excellence and the ability to translate that vision into sustained school improvement.
• Leads by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards for themselves and others.
• Has exceptionally high expectations of achievement, behaviour, attendance and personal development for every pupil.
• Is passionate about developing people and has a proven ability to inspire, motivate and empower staff to realise their full potential.
• Creates a culture where colleagues feel valued, supported and challenged to continually improve their practice.
• Has a strong track record of raising standards and securing positive outcomes for children through high-quality teaching and learning.
• Champions inclusion, wellbeing and belonging, ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to succeed.
• Understands that great schools are built on strong relationships and works collaboratively with governors, staff, parents, carers, pupils and the wider community.
• Communicates effectively, listens with empathy and fosters trust, openness and accountability at all levels.
• Is resilient, reflective and forward-thinking, with the courage to embrace challenge, lead change and seize opportunities for improvement.
• Can balance strategic leadership with operational effectiveness, ensuring the school continues to flourish both educationally and organisationally.
• Is committed to nurturing future leaders and creating a sustainable legacy of excellence across the school.

We offer:

• Happy, enthusiastic and respectful pupils who are proud of their school and eager to learn.
• A dedicated, skilled and caring staff team committed to inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Talented leaders and colleagues who are keen to develop professionally and contribute to the future success of the school.
• A supportive, committed and experienced Governing Body that values constructive challenge and partnership working.
• Strong relationships with families and the wider community.
• The opportunity to shape the future direction of a school where inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
• A rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children, staff and the wider community.

If you are an ambitious and values-driven leader who can inspire others, develop talent, build strong partnerships and lead with integrity, compassion and determination, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the school. Visits will take place on Thursday 12 November at 1.00pm.

If you are unable to attend at this time, we will endeavour to accommodate an alternative visit to suit your availability.

To arrange a visit, please contact Lucy Butcher, School Business Manager, by email at lbutcher@northfeatherstone.wakefield.sch.uk