Assistant Headteacher

‘Are you an ambitious, experienced leader ready to make a whole-school impact? 
Are you passionate about inclusion, driven by high standards, and committed to transforming outcomes for all pupils? 
If so, we would be delighted to hear from you.’ 

Welcome to Northfield 

Now entering our third year as proud members of Pontefract Academies Trust, Northfield has undergone a remarkable journey of transformation. Outcomes across school have exceeded national averages in all performance measures, attendance is 2% above national, and our children thrive in a culture of ambition, warmth and inclusivity. 

With significant investment in our Early Years and SEND provision, including a state-of-the-art sensory room, Northfield is a school that lives its values. Our staff are committed, our community is vibrant, and our pupils show exceptional enthusiasm for learning. As winners of the Pontefract Academies Trust Games, their teamwork, spirit and character shine both in and beyond the classroom. 

This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to build on this momentum. 

About the Role - Assistant Headteacher 

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and skilled Assistant Headteacher to join our senior leadership team at Northfield Primary School. This is a significant leadership position and an excellent opportunity for an experienced teacher, middle leader or serving Senior Leader ready to take the next step in their career. 

We are looking for an exceptional leader who: 

• Brings expertise in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment with a strong understanding of evidence-informed practice 

• Can model exceptional teaching while developing others through coaching and professional learnings 

• Has the confidence and clarity to lead whole-school improvement in teaching, learning and attainment. 

• Shares out commitment to inclusion, high-expectations and safeguarding. 

• Has the ability to inspire motivate and challenge staff at all levels 

• Can analyse performance information intelligently and use it to drive impact 

• Embodies the values of Pontefract Academies Trust and the ethos of Northfield – warmth, ambition, integrity and relentless positivity.   

You will join a highly supportive and experienced team, where collaboration, integrity and ambition underpin everything we do. This is a role where your leadership will make a tangible difference to our pupils, our staff and our community. 

This is a 1 FTE permanent contract.   

We’re excited to connect with you! 
You’re welcome to take advantage of both opportunities: 

1. Virtual Coffee Morning 
   Meet our Headteacher and members of the Senior Leadership Team online. This is a great chance to ask any questions about the role or our school. 
   To book a timeslot, please click here. 

2. In-Person School Tours 
   Visit us on 7th or 8th January between 4pm and 5pm, and we’ll be delighted to show you around. 

Feel free to join either or both—we’d love to meet you! 

About Northfield Primary School 

Now entering our third year as proud members of Pontefract Academies Trust, Northfield has undergone a remarkable journey of transformation. Outcomes across school have exceeded national averages in all performance measures, attendance is 2% above national, and our children thrive in a culture of ambition, warmth and inclusivity. 

With significant investment in our Early Years and SEND provision, including a state-of-the-art sensory room, Northfield is a school that lives its values. Our staff are committed, our community is vibrant, and our pupils show exceptional enthusiasm for learning. As winners of the Pontefract Academies Trust Games, their teamwork, spirit and character shine both in and beyond the classroom. 

This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to build on this momentum. 

Pontefract Academies Trust has been recognised with the Trust Value Award – Excellence in the 2025 Edurio Awards – placing us among the top 10 performing trusts nationally, based on staff feedback. 

Our Trust received fantastic results in the survey, with 85% of staff saying they would recommend Pontefract Academies Trust as a good place to work – significantly higher than the national benchmark of 73%. 

At Northfield Primary School, our own survey results were encouraging. Here’s what some staff had to say… 

“The team has great leaders who work hard to drive the school forward.” 

“A great team spirit and collective drive to improve – which is celebrated regularly.” 

“Pupils come first and are at the heart of what we stand for at Northfield, which aligns entirely with the Trust core values.” 

“My line manager and management, the amount of autonomy, trust but also support I receive, gives me confidence in my abilities to perform.” 

“The team I work with welcomed me and made me feel part of the team from day 1.” 

What can we offer you?  

Be part of a team that values your growth, wellbeing and work-life balance.  We offer a supportive environment with benefits designed to help you thrive: 

• 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.  

• 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.    

• 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. 

You can find further information about staff benefits, development opportunities and why you should work with us in the attached ‘Working for us’ booklet and by visiting our website. 

About Pontefract Academies Trust  

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primary and two secondary schools. Our mission is to run high-quality, high-achieving schools that give our children and young people the chances in life they deserve. 

We take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team.  By joining Pontefract Academies Trust, you will be part of one of the top 10 performing trusts nationally based on staff feedback (Eduiro 2025 staff survey).  We received outstanding feedback, earning three awards based on national data from the 2024/25 academic year: 

• National: Trust Value Award – Excellence 

• Regional: Staff Choice Award (Larks Hill Junior & Infant School) 

• Regional: Trust Benefit School Award (De Lacy Primary School) 

These awards reflect the culture we’ve built – one where staff feel valued, listened to, and part of something meaningful. 

Looking ahead, we’ve recently announced an exciting development, a proposed merger with Ark Schools, planned for September 2026. This step 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 consider joining us as we continue to grow. 

Ready to take the next step? Apply today and join a workplace that invests in you, your career, your wellbeing and your future. 

Key Dates 

• Application Deadline: 10:00am, Monday 12th January 2026 

• Interviews to be held: w/c 19th January 2026 

• Start Date: September 2026 

Important Links 

Pontefract Academies Trust website 

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028 

Northfield Primary School 

Further Information 

• Contact: 01977 651291 or recruitment@northfield.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.