Headteacher (E2634) - Waterton Academy Trust - Sharlston Community School

Post title: Headteacher

Location: Sharlston Community School, Hammer Lane, Wakefield, WF4 1DH

Salary & Grade: Leadership 15-21 £66,628 - £77,195

Hours: Full Time - Permanent

After thirty years of service to the school, seven as Headteacher, our current Headteacher is retiring. As such, Waterton Academy Trust and the Governors of Sharlston Community School are seeking to appoint an ambitious and innovative Headteacher who will lead our successful school on its journey to excellence from September 2024. We are in search of an enthusiastic and talented leader who will embrace our school ethos and have a sensitive and dedicated approach to an inclusive education for all.

Sharlston Community School joined Waterton Academy Trust, a collective of thirteen primary schools, two specialist provisions and four pre-schools serving the Wakefield and Barnsley areas, in 2016. The trust’s driving ambition is to secure the very best outcomes for all its children and prepare them for future success. Sharlston Community School is proud to be part of this determined and collaborative group.

The successful candidate will be someone who understands the school’s current strengths, who values distributed leadership, and has the skills and experience to deliver continued improvements.

We are looking for a leader with:

• Proven senior leadership experience
• Excellent knowledge of the primary curriculum
• Evidenced impactful leadership
• Vision and energy to inspire the whole school community
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to teamwork and developing colleagues
• The ability to adapt to an ever-changing educational landscape
• Flexibility to think creatively
• Experience of contributing to a wider system leadership model
• A robust and accountable nature
• Obvious trustworthiness
• A consultative and collaborative style
• Presence and gravitas

In return we can offer:

• Mentorship and support from an experienced Executive Leadership Team, and the opportunity to work with an active and engaged Governing Body (Academy Standards Committee).  
• The opportunity to work alongside a professional, hardworking and motivated team of teachers and support staff committed to developing and raising standards. 
• Access to professional development and support from a wide network of colleagues within Waterton Academy Trust, including a team of skilled school improvement professionals. This would include a tailored CPD package designed to support you in your role and in your future career aspirations. 
• A firm commitment to your continuing professional development, including opportunities to collaborate and contribute within the trust and the broader education system. 
• A positive school community with a strong focus on staff and pupil wellbeing. 
• Motivated and engaged pupils who are keen to learn.
• A comprehensive health and wellbeing package, prioritising your physical and mental health through SAS. 
• An attractive pension scheme, ensuring your future financial security.
• Access to cycle to work scheme, promoting a healthy and eco-friendly commute.

Further Details

An opportunity for prospective candidates to meet the CEO and visit the school has been arranged for Thursday 8th February 2024. For further details about the role, or to arrange a visit, please contact Gemma McGoldrick, on 01924 240767 or email  admin@watertonacademytrust.org 

To Apply

Applicants are requested to submit a completed application form which can be downloaded from the recruitment page on the trust’s website. Home - Waterton Academy Trust

For further details including candidate information pack and application forms, please visit the following link: Recruitment_Pack (watertonacademytrust.org)

Completed applications are to be returned to hr@watertonacademytrust.org by the closing date below. 

Selection Timeline

Closing Date: Monday 19th February 2024 @ 9.00am 

Shortlisting: Monday 19th February 2024 - PM

Interviews:  Wednesday 21st February 2024 (visits to current school), Thursday 22nd February 2024 (supporting tasks), Friday 23rd February 2024 (interview)

As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be visited in their own school. The date and precise activities will be agreed in due course. 

Waterton Academy 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 and expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility. The Trust has policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and child protection available on request.

Waterton Academy Trust follows safer recruitment processes which all applicants will be subject to. This includes the interview process containing questions about the safeguarding of children and the disclosure of criminal records and other vetting checks. 

An enhanced DBS check is required for the successful candidates, this process is completed by an online third-party company. All successful candidates are required to join the DBS update service with an annual cost of £13. 

The position is also subject to two satisfactory references. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of any unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview.

We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders which is available to applicants on request.

Waterton Academy Trust is wholly committed in ensuring that all employees, future employees and applicants are treated equally regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.

The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.