Headteacher

As Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Castleford Park Junior Academy, leading a talented team to achieve outstanding educational outcomes while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact through driving excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in line with our Trust’s strategic vision.

You will work in close partnership with the Directors of Primary Education, as well as fellow Headteachers, to implement ambitious school improvement strategies. We are looking for an inspirational leader who embodies our values of Care, Aspire, Succeed, and who can empower both the academy and its local community to deliver aspirational outcomes for every pupil.

Operationally, you will be responsible for leadership and management whilst ensuring the curriculum is delivered effectively, meeting any statutory requirements. It will be key to build strong relationships with all stakeholders of the academy, ranging from pupils to staff, parents to governors and the wider local community.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Provide inspirational, strategic leadership in line with the Trust’s vision, values and school improvement priorities

• Secure excellent outcomes for all pupils through high-quality teaching, learning and curriculum leadership

• Play an active role in the collaborative life of the Trust, contributing to system-wide improvement and shared best practice

• Build and sustain a strong, inclusive and high-performing school culture 

• Lead and develop a talented staff team, ensuring high-quality professional development and clear performance expectations

• Work in close partnership with the wider Trust team, executive leaders and governance structures to ensure strong accountability

• Ensure robust safeguarding, attendance and behaviour systems that promote safety, belonging and high expectations

• Lead effective use of resources and delegated budgets, ensuring value for money and long-term sustainability

• Use data intelligently to drive school improvement, targeting support and celebrating success

• Act with integrity, visibility and resilience, modelling the highest standards of professional leadership

What can you expect from us? 

As a valued leader within our Trust, you can expect: 

• Unwavering support and a culture of collaboration: you will benefit from exceptional support from our executive leaders, leadership teams, and dedicated Trust specialists across key areas including curriculum development, safeguarding, inclusion, governance, HR, finance, estates, IT, and compliance. At Castleford Trust, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do - your success is our shared success.

• Wellbeing and Community: from Day 1 your wellbeing matters to us. You will have access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and family members. Throughout our local community, you will be able to join local fitness and swimming facilities at a discounted rate, and each year be able to take advantage of our onsite health checks. We regularly review and update our services to meet the needs of colleagues at all stages in their life and careers. 

• Working together to achieve excellence for all: all the academies within the Trust have a strong moral purpose and seek to have a positive impact on the communities that they serve and to support families to overcome any social disadvantage. We are deeply committed to our values of Care, Aspire and Succeed and have very high expectations and aspirations for pupils and colleagues alike. 

Download our Headteacher Recruitment Pack for more benefits, information about the Trust and the role. 

Closing Date for Applications: 23rd March 2026, Midday

Shortlisting and Interviews: Shortlisting will take place following the closing date, with a target to interview Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st April 2026

References: References will be taken up shortly after shortlisting and prior to interview using the contact details you supply on your application.

School Visits: We strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit the school. Please contact Adam Phillips (Director of People & HR) to arrange a visit: Telephone: 01977 238264 Email: aphillips@castlefordacademytrust.com. Visits are currently available on Monday 9th March at 5.00pm, and Wednesday 18th March at 11.00am.

Contact for Informal Discussion: For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Rebecca Lewis (Director of Primary Education) via email on: RLewis@castlefordacademytrust.com

Equal Opportunities: Castleford Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership. Castleford Trust welcomes applications from anyone who meets the criteria for the role.

Safeguarding and DBS Clearance: Castleford Trust are committed to promoting safeguarding and the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Therefore, all appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and an enhanced DBS check.