Overview

Establishment:

Larks Hill Junior and Infant School

Location:

Larks Hill Junior and Infant School

Salary:

£69,596.00 - £76,772.00 FTE per annum

Department:

Senior Leadership Team

Job Type:

Full Time

Key Stage:

Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2Closing Date:

01/10/2025 10:00

Interview Date:

06/10/2025

Start Date:

05/01/2026Contract Type:

Permanent

Contract Term:

TTO - Term time only

Hours per Week:

32.50

Weeks per Year:

52.143

Pay Grade:

Leadership Staff | L13 - L17The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Head of School at Larks Hill JandI School. If you have a proven track record of working strategically at a senior leadership level, to deliver successful whole school change, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a school with huge potential and be part of a thriving and supportive Trust. You must believe in the school and the Trust’s values and be motivated to make a difference. Your professional development will be a key priority, and you will have the support of a highly skilled and experienced network of senior leaders. You must be flexible, not precious, or territorial, and able to combine operational, hands-on leadership with clear strategic planning and direction. Your positive, can-do spirit will engage and inspire students, staff, and parents/carers. Above all else, you must be passionate about improving the life chances of children and young people and aspire to make them outstanding citizens. This is a 1 FTE, permanent contract, with a start date of 5 January 2026 (or as soon as possible).About Larks Hill JandI School

Larks Hill, a high-achieving school, which is recognised both locally and nationally as a school which is one of the highest performing. Larks Hill is a one form entry primary school, part of Pontefract Academies Trust. At Larks Hill, we are committed to investing in all of our children to prepare and provide them with the educational and life skills they will need to be successful in high school and future careers. We want children to be the ‘very best version of themselves’. In 2024 we achieved 93% for reading, writing and maths with 39% of the 2024 cohort achieving greater depth in reading, writing and maths, leading us to being recognised as one of the top ten highest achieving schools in Yorkshire. In 2025, our outcomes remain one of the highest nationally, achieving over 50% combined in greater depth across reading, writing and maths. Additionally, we proudly secured the 121st spot in the prestigious 2024 "Times Top 500 Primary Schools in England" list, firmly establishing us within the top 3% of primary schools across the country. In March 2025, Ofsted praised the school as outstanding in all five inspected judgement areas, confirming our commitment to excellence.About Pontefract Academies Trust

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve. The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success. Our primary outcomes at Key Stage 2 now sit 27% above the national average, with five out of the seven in the top 5% in the country for combined outcomes. Within the last 12 months, three of our primary schools – Carleton Park, Larks Hill and Halfpenny Lane – were recognised as Outstanding across all areas in their most recent Ofsted inspections. Our secondary schools Key Stage 4 results for English, Maths and Science are well above national average and both schools had successful visits from Ofsted in 2024 and 2022. Additionally, we have just announced an exciting development, a proposed merger with Ark Schools. This is set to take place in Sept 2025, a step that reflects our ambition to grow, never settle, and to do what’s right for our pupils, staff, and community. This change will bring even stronger support, greater collaboration, and more opportunities. We’re excited for what’s ahead and we hope that you’ll be a part of shaping that future with us.What can we offer you?

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff with

three Everyday Development (EDD) Days . These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunitiesEnergise and Engage Weeks throughout the year, where no meetings take place. These dedicated weeks prioritise personal professional development, support work-life balance, and allow for an early finish on designated daysLaptopFantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balanceCycle to work scheme, Blue Light card. discounted gym membershipEmployee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)Discounts at numerous retailers including O2Free flu vaccinations.School Visits and Further Information

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact our Chief Executive Officer, Julian Appleyard OBE for further information or an informal conversation about the role. Potential candidates are welcome to visit our school. This is a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and get a feel for the vibrant community we have built here. We look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have.Interview Date: Monday 6th October 2025Start Date: Monday 5th January 2026 (or as soon as possible)Application Process

Complete application form via our websiteWe are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone. The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.Qualifications

Degree educatedQualified Teacher StatusEvidence of continuous professional developmentWe are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone. The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.Apply for this roleSubmit your application today with our simple application processLarks HillPontefractWest YorkshireWF8 4RJ

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