Principal

Outwood Academy Hemsworth (OAH) is an inclusive and aspirational 11-18 community school with 1120 students in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The academy’s excellent facilities provide a rich and welcoming learning environment including a purpose built sixth form centre and brand new 3-storey building with 17 new classrooms, dining hall and conference theatre. In October 2022 Ofsted recognised considerable improvements had been made in the quality of education, personal development, sixth form provision and attendance and behaviour but there is still more sustained improvement work required to ensure behaviour and attendance are good. The appointment of a new Principal who can ensure long term sustained change, strengthen wider community engagement and lead the transformation of the school’s culture will be central to this work. 

As Principal, you will have the opportunity to lead an enthusiastic and energetic senior team and a committed and motivated staff who care deeply about the success of the students and future success of the school. Their hard work has already ensured the curriculum stretches and enriches the students’ experience and outcomes are improving. The exciting challenge is to build on that which will require strong, inspirational leadership; an ability to drive change and a commitment to ensuring the school community has an excellent secondary school that meets its students' needs and raises their aspirations.

OAH joined Outwood Grange Academies Trust in 2018. It is nationally recognised as one of the highest performing MAT’s in the country and is one of the founding trusts of the National Institute of Teaching. The Trust embraces the opportunity to ensure that all children, irrespective of their starting point, receive an excellent education and relishes the opportunity to be a key partner in the communities it works in. It is one of the largest MAT’s in the country and with that OAH can draw on a range of expertise. The Trust works across geographical sub-regions with OAH part of the central region which comprises 6 schools based in North Yorkshire and Wakefield. The Principals from the schools work closely together, sharing best practice and supporting one another to ensure continuous and never-ending improvement for the regions’ students. As Principal you will be empowered to lead OAH, fostering its own unique identity. Your professional development will be a priority for the Trust with excellent access to a full suite of CPD opportunities through the brand-new National Institute of Teaching, significant opportunities to engage in Trust wide and cross-phase projects and through expert support from the highly experienced executive leadership team.

This is an exciting time for the school and the new Principal. You may be seeking your first headship or be an experienced Principal/Headteacher looking for a new challenge, but regardless you must have the determination and ambition to make the academy your own and to lead it to a bright future. We are seeking a Principal who first and foremost leads with moral purpose holding a commitment to making a difference in the lives and outcomes of students as a result of their quality experiences at school. They will ensure that the needs of the young people are met through high quality teaching and support that maximises all pupils’ potential and enables them to become enthusiastic and independent learners. Above all, you will share the school and Trust’s commitment to putting Students First, raising standards and transforming lives.

To find out more about this exceptional opportunity please visit: www.hays.co.uk/vacancies/outwood-academy-hemsworth

For a confidential discussion about the role, to arrange a visit or to make an application, please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments.

T: 07736 791138

E: martin.blair@hays.com

Closing date: Midday on Wednesday 20 September 2023

Interview dates: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 September 2023

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.

We reserve the right to close advertisements early. Either advertisements will therefore close at 12 noon, on the advertised closing date, or the day the decision has been taken to close the advertisement early.