Job title and organisation: Headteacher - Clapgate Primary School
Salary: L18 - L24 £78,702 - £91,158
Hours: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Location: Clapgate Primary School, Cranmore Drive, Leeds LS10 4AW
Closing Date: Thursday 5 February 2026 at 5pm
Start Date: September 2026
Clapgate is a popular two form entry primary school in South Leeds that values the importance of being outdoors and the positive effect it has on motivation and wellbeing. We view our outdoor area as an extension of our experiential and dynamic classrooms. This approach provides our children with a wealth of learning opportunities. Our outdoor space includes allotments with raised beds for each class and a campfire area. We also have a range of animals including our chickens, two Pygmy goats and our school dog, Rufus.
The Governors, staff, children and parents of Clapgate Primary School are seeking an inspirational leader with a passion for education and learning. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of highly effective leadership and will bring their unique experiences, creativity and skills to continue to develop our core commitment to raising standards and meeting the diverse needs of all our children.
‘The school has successfully created a culture of care, compassion and high expectations” (Ofsted July 24)
We are looking for someone who has:
- A proven track record of successful leadership and management.
- The strategic capability and commitment to drive forward whole school improvement.
- High expectations of pupils in their attainment, behaviour and attendance, and the skills needed to translate these expectations into pupils achieving their full potential.
- Demonstrated the ability to establish strong links between staff, parents and carers and to maximise the educational impact of these links.
- Shown that they will respond positively, proactively and effectively to the high expectations set by the Governing Body.
- The ability and drive to challenge, inspire and support all staff to perform at a high level.
- Demonstrate highly inclusive values with a clear commitment to holistic learning and achievement for all.
At Clapgate Primary School, we are proud to offer:
- Enthusiastic and engaged children who love to learn.
- Outstanding school grounds, including expansive playing fields, a nature area, a campfire circle, school animals and allotments.
- An enthusiastic and supportive leadership team with a passion for raising standards and improving the lives of all children.
- Committed and caring staff who consistently go the extra mile.
- A strong and supportive Governing Body who understand the importance of work–life balance.
- Strong relationships with the Local Authority, working with them as a model of excellence and hosting city wide CPD events.
We warmly encourage prospective candidates to visit the school to gain a fuller understanding of our values, ethos and vision for the future. Please see the scheduled visit dates below, and contact our School Business Manager, Mandy Belt, to book a time slot: beltm@clapgateprimaryschool.org
School Visit Dates:
Thursday 15th or Friday 16th January, Thursday 22nd or Friday 23rd January.
If these dates are not suitable please contact the school business manager and we will seek to find a suitable date for you.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 5th February 2026 5pm
Shortlisting: 24th February 2026
Assessment Day and Interviews:
Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th March 2026
If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact Dave Bache chair of governors on 07837463416.
For an application pack, please email: educ.headteacher@leeds.gov.uk
Clapgate Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history and an on-line search will be conducted. This includes only information publicly available on-line.
We passionately believe that a diverse workforce where everyone feels welcomed and valued will be a better place for children and our staff. We want a staff body which reflects the population of Leeds and understand the benefits this will bring.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, 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, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
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.
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