Primary Teacher

Are you passionate about education and eager to make a lasting impact on young minds? Do you have a proven track record of inspiring a love for learning in your students? If so, we want to hear from you!  

About the Role:   

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding, enthusiastic, and committed teacher to join the team at Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant and Nursery School. The successful candidate will demonstrate high quality teaching to ensure pupils can make accelerated progress, securing outcomes through pupils through outstanding provision. You will use effective resources and uphold the highest standards of learning and achievement for all pupils.   

This is a 1 FTE permanent contract.   

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic person who:   

• has a passion for helping pupils thrive and meet their full potential  

• has a friendly manner and can communicate effectively with staff and students  

• can work effectively as part of a team but can also work independently using their own initiative  

• has experience of working in a similar specialist area.  

About Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School  

Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School is renowned for exceptional academic achievements, both locally and nationally.  

Recognised as one of the leading primary schools in the Wakefield district (2024)  

Ranked among the top 5% of primary schools nationwide for pupil progress  

Featured in the Times Top 500 Primary Schools in England (2024), proudly securing the 105th place, putting us in the top 1% nationally  

Rated outstanding in all five inspected judgement areas by Ofsted (November 2024)  

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.    

In the 2025 staff survey with Edurio, Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School received fantastic results in the survey, with 88% of staff saying they would recommend the school as a good place to work. 

98% of staff also shared that they would recommend Halfpenny Lane to parents as a good place for their children to study.  

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 chance in life they deserve.   

We are excited to share that we will be merging with Ark Schools on 1st September 2026. This partnership brings together two high-performing trusts to strengthen the support we provide to our children, staff, and communities. It will allow us to retain our Pontefract and South Kirkby family of schools while also benefiting from being part of a larger network of professionals. Most importantly, it opens significant opportunities for staff offering first class CPD, collaboration and knowledge-sharing across both trusts.   

Ark is recognised as one of the highest achieving education trusts in the country and runs thirty-nine schools across Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. Their mission is to ensure that all children have access to a great education and real choices in life, regardless of their background. Ark choose to work where they can make their biggest difference.  Please click here to find out more about the Pontefract Academies Trust and Ark Schools merger.    

This next chapter builds on the exceptional progress that our schools have already made. At Key Stage 2, our primary outcomes are 24% above the national average, with five of our seven primaries ranked in the top 5% nationally for combined outcomes. Our secondary schools also continue to deliver strong results above the national average.   

We also take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team who make this possible. In the 2025 Edurio Staff Survey, we received outstanding feedback, placing us in the top 10 trusts nationally for staff feedback. This was further recognised through three awards:   

• 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. 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.     

School Visits and Further Information 

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: 10:00am,Friday 6th March 2026 

Interviews to be held: TBC 

Start date: 1st September 2026 

Application Process   

Complete an application form via our website   

Important Links   

Pontefract Academies Trust website    

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028 

Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School Website.   

Contact Information   

Tel: 01977 703270  

Email:recruitment@halfpenny.patrust.org.uk 

We 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.