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- Tasks: Lead a historic school, inspiring excellence and fostering strong community relationships.
- Company: The King's School, part of Pontefract Academies Trust and soon joining Ark Schools.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, professional development, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education in a supportive, ambitious environment with a rich legacy.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and a passion for student potential.
- Other info: Join a top-rated Trust known for staff satisfaction and collaborative growth.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 ÂŁ per year.
The King's School, an historic high‑performing institution with a legacy of over 850 years, is recruiting a Headteacher to lead our community. As a proud member of the Pontefract Academies Trust and soon to join the Ark Schools network, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of a school where tradition, ambition and exceptional outcomes sit at the heart of everything we do.
Salary & Contract
Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities. Permanent, full‑time contract. Start date: 1 September 2026.
Responsibilities
- Provide inspirational leadership that sustains a culture of high expectations, strong values and academic excellence.
- Lead and develop a committed staff team, ensuring outstanding teaching, learning and behaviour across the school.
- Implement and embed the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school.
- Strengthen relationships with the local community, families, governors and external partners.
- Oversee robust operational systems that enable the school to run efficiently.
- Work collaboratively across the Trust and wider network, contributing to shared practice, innovation and improvement.
- Ensure a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
- Model exemplary conduct, professional integrity and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding.
Qualifications & Experience
- Successful senior leadership experience in a secondary school as Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher.
- Exceptional leader with credibility to inspire, motivate and influence at all levels.
- Deep understanding of outstanding provision and a track record of securing excellent outcomes.
- Ability to articulate and drive a clear strategic vision aligned with high aspirations.
- Resilience, emotional intelligence and ability to lead through challenge.
- Strong relationship‑building with students, families and staff, rooted in trust and respect.
- Data‑driven use of information to diagnose priorities and drive improvement.
- Commitment to the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare.
- Genuine belief in the potential of every student.
Why Join Us
- A school with an exceptional history, reputation and culture built on respect, responsibility, determination and excellence.
- A talented and dedicated staff team proud to work at The King's School.
- The opportunity to lead within a forward‑thinking Trust renowned for effective school improvement.
- Access to outstanding professional development and collaboration across the Trust (and from September 2026 across the Ark Schools network).
- A supportive and ambitious Executive Leadership Team.
- A community that values high expectations, academic excellence and strong relationships.
Contract Details
Permanent, full‑time role. Start date: 1 September 2026.
What We Offer
- Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities.
- Everyday Development (EDD) Framework – a simple, personal and flexible goal‑based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.
- Three dedicated EDD days for the 2025/26 academic year; the next is Monday 20 July 2026.
- Energise and Engage Weeks throughout the year – no meetings, early finish on designated days to prioritise personal professional development.
- Generous employer pension (Teacher’s pension).
- Laptop.
- Excellent family‑friendly policies focusing on work/life balance.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme, Blue Light card, discounted gym membership.
- Free eyecare via Specsavers, childcare vouchers.
- Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns).
- Discounts at numerous retailers including O2.
- Free flu vaccinations.
About Pontefract Academies Trust
The Trust is a cross‑phase multi‑academy trust with nine local schools (seven primary and two secondary) committed to providing the best education for our children. We are excited about the merger with Ark Schools on 1 September 2026, which will strengthen support for pupils and staff and create new opportunities for collaboration and professional development. In 2025 the Trust was ranked in the top 10 nationwide for staff satisfaction and received several awards recognising our supportive, values‑driven working environment.
Application Process
Complete an application form via the Trust website. Applications will be considered as received; we reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date. Interview dates: To be confirmed.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10:00 am, Monday 30 March 2026.
- Interview dates: To be confirmed.
- Start date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Contact
Telephone: 01977 232146. Email: adminsupport@patrust.org.uk. Website: https://patrust.org.uk.
We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone. The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people while promoting their welfare. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre‑employment checks, including online checks. Shortlisted candidates will also be asked to provide a self‑declaration form.
Headteacher in Wakefield employer: The King's School
Contact Detail:
The King's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at The King's School or within the Pontefract Academies Trust. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, and be ready to discuss how you can inspire and lead the team towards academic excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your leadership style and experiences confidently, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community at The King's School.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how excited you are about shaping the future of The King's School and making a difference in students' lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and vision of The King's School. Highlight your experience and achievements that align with our commitment to high expectations and academic excellence.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application via the Trust website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you're following our process, which we really value.
How to prepare for a job interview at The King's School
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your vision for the school. Think about how you can align it with the values and ethos of The King's School. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you would implement to foster academic excellence and a nurturing environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in developing staff and improving student outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, demonstrating how you've inspired and motivated teams in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways you've successfully built relationships with families, governors, and external partners in the past. Be prepared to share your ideas on how to strengthen these connections at The King's School, as community engagement is key to their ethos.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with how data can drive improvement in a school setting. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in your previous roles to identify priorities and implement changes that led to better outcomes for students.