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- Tasks: Lead and inspire as an Assistant Headteacher, driving school improvement and supporting the leadership team.
- Company: Thornhill Junior and Infant School, part of the Focus Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Supportive team, excellent professional development, and a nurturing environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and foster a love for learning.
- Qualifications: Outstanding classroom practitioner with leadership experience and a commitment to inclusion.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community-focused school with enthusiastic learners.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Assistant Headteacher from 1 September 2026. The role is integral in our journey of continual school improvement, supporting our Senior Leadership Team to achieve ambitious aims and objectives at Thornhill Junior and Infant School.
Thornhill Junior and Infant School is a two-form entry school on the outskirts of Dewsbury that is part of the Focus Academy Trust. Our most recent Ofsted was in December 2024 where we were graded as ‘Outstanding’ in Personal Development and ‘Good’ in all other areas.
What makes our school special?
- Our children are at the heart of everything we do. Relationships are strong, respectful and nurturing.
- We play an active role within our community and like to reach out to support others.
- Our staff are empathetic, people-centred and committed to working hard, together.
- We face challenges with positivity and optimism, working hard, together, to overcome them.
- We all love to learn!
What makes our school special? (From Y6 pupils)
- ”Thornhill is a representative school for the community- we are an amazing school!”
- ”Music is a very special part of our school and we treasure it truly. We learn a new musical instrument every year.”
- ”We have amazing school trips, which are unique for every year group. We have just been to London in Y6 and we loved Chester Zoo in Y4.”
- ”Our school is such a great place to be. It is almost like a magic place because it brings so many friends and families together.”
The Successful Candidate Will:
- be an outstanding classroom practitioner
- be an inspirational and innovative leader
- be committed to inclusion, working with parents and the community
- have a proven track record of raising standards
We Can Offer:
- a supportive and committed team of staff and governors
- a well-resourced and attractive learning environment
- friendly well behaved children who are enthusiastic to learn
- excellent professional development opportunities
For further information about our school, please visit our website. Visits to the School are encouraged - contact the school office to arrange an appointment on 01924 453259.
Focus Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate at Enhanced Level will be required for this post.
Closing date: 18 March 2026, 12:00 PM
Important Information: Job Profile/description and additional documentation will be provided as part of the application process.
Assistant Headteacher - Thornhill J&I School in Dewsbury employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher - Thornhill J&I School in Dewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Thornhill J&I School through LinkedIn or local education events. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the school’s values and recent achievements, especially their Ofsted report. We want to show how our vision aligns with theirs and how we can contribute to their journey of continual improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership style! Think about examples from our past experiences where we've inspired others or led successful initiatives. We need to demonstrate that we’re not just a good fit but the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing our appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep us on their radar and show our enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher - Thornhill J&I School in Dewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in our school community!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience that aligns with the role of Assistant Headteacher. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've raised standards and supported inclusion in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit for Thornhill J&I School.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Thornhill J&I School thoroughly. Understand its values, recent Ofsted reports, and community involvement. This will help you align your answers with the school's ethos and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Assistant Headteacher, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've inspired and led teams in the past. Highlight your innovative approaches to raising standards and fostering inclusion within the school community.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
Thornhill J&I School values strong community ties. Think about ways you've engaged with parents and the local community in previous roles. Share these experiences during the interview to show that you understand the importance of collaboration beyond the classroom.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the school's future goals, professional development opportunities, and how they support staff wellbeing. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in contributing to the school's long-term success.
