At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the academy's improvement journey and ensure outstanding outcomes for every pupil.
- Company: Join Place Partnership, a forward-thinking Multi Academy Trust dedicated to education and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits including pension schemes, health services, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values every individual and promotes high expectations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education and inspire both staff and students to thrive.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education with a track record of raising standards.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Academy from 01 January 2027 to lead our academy on the next stage of its improvement and development journey. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and values-driven leader to work alongside the Executive Principal, Academy Education Committee, colleagues, families, and the wider community to secure outstanding outcomes for every pupil.
As Head of Academy, you will provide professional leadership and strategic direction across all aspects of academy life, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, safeguarding, and pupil achievement. You will be responsible for leading and developing staff, driving school improvement, and creating a culture where both pupils and colleagues can thrive.
You will have a proven track record of success and will be able to demonstrate how you have improved outcomes for pupils and led on a significant range of strategic aims and objectives. We are looking to appoint an inspirational leader with the passion and commitment to lead academy-wide development within a collaborative successful Multi Academy Trust.
You will be able to demonstrate a wide range of skills including the ability to deliver impact through strategy and manage multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. The Head of Academy role presents a unique opportunity for an outstanding leader to play a key role in the Academy's success as part of our newly formed Multi Academy Trust, Place Partnership.
About You
The successful candidate will be:
- A highly effective and experienced senior leader with a proven track record of raising standards and improving outcomes.
- Have substantial leadership experience as Assistant Principal, Vice Principal, Deputy Headteacher, or equivalent level.
- Able to inspire, motivate and develop staff through collaborative and impactful leadership.
- An outstanding classroom practitioner with a deep understanding of curriculum development, teaching, learning and assessment.
- Able to communicate effectively and build relationships with parents, governors, Trust leaders and external partners.
- Committed to promoting high standards of behaviour, inclusion, safeguarding and pupil welfare.
About Place Partnership
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation, driven by a genuine passion for the wellbeing, care, and education of young people. Place Partnership was formed in September 2026 following the voluntary merger of two strong and successful Trusts in South and West Yorkshire: Maltby Learning Trust, established in 2014, and Accord Multi Academy Trust, founded in 2016.
At the heart of Place Partnership is a commitment to building a culture where people feel valued, take pride in their place, and hold high expectations because everyone matters. At Place Partnership we are dedicated to providing high-quality education which ensures that every child is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We invest in our people through extensive professional learning and development opportunities, and we recognise that our people are our greatest strength.
As such, we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits as part of our commitment to wellbeing and professional growth. Here are a few examples of employee benefits that focus on our employees:
- Membership to either the Teachers' Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Technology scheme via SmartTech*
- Access to an extensive discounts platform via 'Place Plus'
- Access to an industry leading Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- 24/7 access to an online GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner through Corporate Paid Healthcare Cash Plans
- Access to health and wellbeing services, with the ability to claim money back for essential healthcare such as prescriptions, optical and dental care through Corporate Paid Healthcare Cash Plans.
- Cycle to Work Scheme*
- Free, on-site parking at every site
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders in all our settings
*restrictions apply
For full details of our employee benefit package, please see our recruitment pack.
Further Information
Closing Date: Monday 21 September 2026 at 9.00am
Interviews are expected to take place: Thursday 24 September 2026
Place Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and checks of the relevant barred list / prohibition lists.
Place Partnership is committed to providing a culture of inclusion, respect and equity of opportunity that attracts, supports, and retains high quality colleagues from all backgrounds and across all job roles. Candidates will always be shortlisted based on the content of application against the job description and essential criteria without access to the personal details information.
Head of Academy in Wakefield employer: Place Partnership
Place Partnership is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every employee is valued and encouraged to grow. With a strong commitment to professional development, extensive benefits including generous leave, pension schemes, and health services, employees in the Governance and Executive Support Officer role can thrive in a collaborative environment that prioritises both personal and professional wellbeing. Located in Rotherham, this role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to high-quality education while being part of a dynamic team focused on making a meaningful impact in the community.
