Assistant Headteacher

Ref: SCH-PAT-0621 

Required for: September 2025 

About Pontefract Academies Trust 

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of 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. Three of our primary schools – De Lacy, Carleton Park and Larks Hill – were recognised as Outstanding across all areas in their 2024 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. 

About Carleton High School 

Carleton High School is a warm and welcoming school, where there is a strong community feel. We are an exceptionally high achieving school, with academic outcomes for progress consistently being significantly over national. For the last 5 years we have consistently gained strong results becoming one of the top schools in Wakefield.  In our recent Ofsted inspection in November 2024, we were recognised as ‘Good Improving’ which acknowledges the extraordinary improvements that Carleton High School has made.  Within the DNA of the school is the core focus to improve life chances for our students. Our students uphold values of respect, responsibility, determination, and excellence which enable them to become the best versions of themselves. This is an extremely exciting time to be joining Carleton High School as we continue on our journey to becoming an outstanding school. 

About the role 

We are seeking a passionate and motivated leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Headteacher, playing an essential role in shaping our future. With a deep-rooted tradition of excellence and high aspirations for all students we are guided by the central Trust value, that ‘students come first’.  We celebrate the uniqueness of our community and strive to create an environment that is both happy and aspirational for staff and students alike.   

The successful candidate must also be an outstanding teacher whose values include integrity, honesty and kindness. You will have the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals to make a lasting and positive impact in our community.   

For more information regarding this exciting opportunity please read the attached candidate pack. 

This is a 1 FTE, permanent contract with a start date of September 2025.  

What can we offer you? 

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:  

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities 
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework, including goals that are personal and flexible and professional development days to self-reflect and invest in personal development to aid staff engagement, boost wellbeing and enhance employee skills 
• Energise 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 days 
• Generous employer pension (Teachers Pension) 
• Laptop 
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee 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 on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)  
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2 
• Free flu vaccinations. 

School Visits 

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 

Key Dates 

• Application Deadline: 12:00pm, Tuesday 13th May 2025 
• Interview Date: Friday 16th May 2025 
• Start Date: Monday 01 September 2025 

Application Process 

• Complete application form via our website 
• Complete the attached examinations results form that is required for this role 
• Attach the document in the ‘Additional Information & Documents’ section of your application within SamPeople Recruit 

Important Links 

Pontefract Academies Trust Website  

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028 

Carleton High School Website 

Further Information 

• Contact: 01977 781555 or or recruitment@carletonhigh.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 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.