Headteacher

Salary: We offer a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development. 
Contract: 1 FTE Permanent Contract. 

Do you have the vision, ambition and exceptional leadership skills to shape the future of a historic, high‑performing school? 

The King’s School is seeking an outstanding Headteacher to lead our community into the next exciting chapter of our journey. With a legacy stretching back over 850 years and a reputation for excellence across Pontefract and beyond, this is a rare and prestigious opportunity to lead a school where tradition, ambition and exceptional outcomes sit at the heart of everything we do. 

As a proud member of Pontefract Academies Trust, and soon to be part of the founding northern hub for Ark Schools, The King’s School offers the successful candidate the chance to lead with impact, drive innovation and contribute to a wider educational network. 

About the role 

As Headteacher, you will: 

• Provide inspirational leadership that sustains our 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 our 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 

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Has successful senior leadership experience in a secondary school as a Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher 

• Is an exceptional leader with the credibility to inspire, motivate and influence at all levels 

• Has a deep understanding of outstanding provision and a track record of securing excellent outcomes 

• Can articulate and drive a clear strategic vision aligned with our high aspirations 

• Demonstrates resilience, emotional intelligence and the ability to lead through challenge 

• Builds strong relationships with students, families and staff, rooted in trust and respect 

• Uses data intelligently to diagnose priorities and drive improvement 

• Shows a genuine belief in the potential of every student 

• Is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare 

Why join us? 

• A school with an exceptional history, a strong reputation and a culture built on respect, responsibility, determination and excellence 

• A talented and dedicated staff team who are 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 wider 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 

The King’s School 

The King’s School is a warm, welcoming, and high‑performing school with a strong sense of pride and tradition. Consistently recognised as one of the top‑performing schools in the Wakefield District and ranked in the top 15% nationally for progress, we continue to build on a long history of academic excellence.  

Our culture is rooted in raising aspirations and improving life chances for every student, guided by our core values and a supportive, caring ethos. As one of the oldest schools in Yorkshire, our rich heritage combines with a forward‑looking approach to provide an inspiring environment where students thrive and staff careers flourish.  

As part of Pontefract Academies Trust - recently recognised for Excellence in the 2025 Edurio Award -staff wellbeing and satisfaction remain central to our work. Across the Trust, 85% of staff said they would recommend us as a great place to work, well above national benchmarks, and feedback within The King’s School reflects the same positive, supportive culture.  

Staff say:  

“I genuinely love working at King’s!”  

“My line manager always takes my personal needs into account and shows genuine care for my wellbeing.”  

For further insight into our school, we invite you to watch our promotional film ‘Where will King’s take you?’ , and visit our website for further information.  

The King's School - Heritage Film | Videos & Movies on Vimeo 

What we offer  

Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work–life balance. As a member of our school community, you’ll benefit from:    

• 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 have provided staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days, the next is on Monday 20 July 2026. 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. 

About Pontefract Academies Trust  

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase multi-academy trust comprising of nine local schools: seven primary and two secondary, committed to providing the very best education for our children.   

We are also excited to be merging with Ark Schools on 1 September 2026. This partnership will strengthen the support we offer our pupils and staff, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development across both trusts. Please click here to find out more about the Pontefract Academies Trust and Ark Schools merger.   

We are proud of the positive culture across our schools. In the 2025 Edurio Staff Survey, we were ranked in the top 10 trusts nationally for staff satisfaction and received several awards recognising our supportive and values‑driven working environment. Our staff tell us they feel valued, listened to and part of a team that makes a real difference every day.   

We’re excited for the future and hope you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow. 

Application process  

• Complete an application form via our website 

• Applications will be considered as they are received, and we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date. 

Key dates 

• Application Deadline: 10:00am, Monday 30th March 2026 

• Interviews to be held: To be confirmed 

• Start date: Tuesday, 01 September 2026 

Important links  

Pontefract Academies Trust Website  

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028 

The King's School website 

Contact us 

• Tel: 01977 232146 

• Email: adminsupport@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.