Assistant Headteacher - Teaching & Learning

Overview

Airedale Academy, an 11-16 mixed comprehensive with 1,100 pupils, is situated in Airedale, Castleford and recently joined Castleford Trust. Since joining the Trust in February 2025, the school has seen rapid improvements in pupil behaviour and curriculum planning. Castleford Trust is a dynamic and inclusive Multi Academy Trust, consisting of nine schools across all phases. Our vision is “Working together to achieve excellence for all.” We are committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential and that no child is left behind. We offer a supportive and dedicated team with extensive opportunities for staff training and professional development. We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, dynamic, motivated and inspirational leader to take the next step in their leadership career as Assistant Headteacher who will lead Airedale Academy to improve the Quality of Teaching & Learning, creating and driving a culture of high performance and consistent improvement.

Your Application Will Need To Demonstrate That You Are/have

• Substantial senior or middle leadership experience in a secondary school with strong evidence of success and impact.
• Experience Of Leadership Of Whole School Initiatives.
• The ability to lead, motivate and inspire staff.
• An ability to analyse and evaluate data to improve outcomes for pupils.
• The ability to motivate, inspiring confidence in pupils that they can succeed and achieve their personal best.
• An ability to manage conflict and think creatively to solve problems.
• A deep knowledge and clear understanding of educational legislation, new innovation and developments.
• An ability to use the full range of leadership skills and qualities including emotional intelligence as appropriate to the situation.
• A personal commitment to inclusion and diversity to ensure the maximum benefits for pupils and staff.
• An enthusiastic leader, committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all pupils.
• Someone who can provide clear direction and shared purpose for all pupils, staff and stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to professional development for all staff including yourself.

You Will Also Need To Be

• Supportive of the academy’s ethos and values at all times both within the academy and the wider community.
• Committed to inspiring pupils and staff in development initiatives and strategies, promoting whole school improvement.
• An excellent communicator who is at ease with all stakeholders but particularly pupils and parents/carers.
• Able to demonstrate resilience and determination while providing support, showing empathy when dealing with staff in a sensitive and considerate manner.
• As part of Castleford Trust, access to a comprehensive wellbeing package for schools, with in-house wellbeing experts, counsellors, nurses and physiotherapists.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; a DBS Enhanced check is required prior to appointment.

Application process

• Application forms can be downloaded from the Castleford Trust website. Completed applications should be addressed to Andy Percival, Headteacher, at the school address or via email to HRaat@castlefordtrust.co.uk.
• Closing date for applications is 8.00 am on Wednesday 1st October 2025, with interviews held the following week.
• We welcome visits to the school; to arrange a tour please contact Katrina Baker on kbaker@aa.castlefordtrust.co.uk for dates and times available.
• For further information on the school, the role and how to apply please visit castlefordacademytrust.com or email HRaat@castlefordtrust.co.uk.

Safeguarding

Airedale Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all staff and volunteers share this commitment. For all positions at Airedale Academy, you are required to complete a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check prior to appointment.

Note: This listing includes references to the role and related vacancies on TES FE News and Castleford Trust websites. This description retains the essential content around responsibilities and qualifications for the Assistant Headteacher role.