Drighlington Primary School, Moorland Road, Drighlington, BD11 1JY

Head of School

Pay Range: L15-21 £70,293 - £81,441 Start Date: September 2025

The Governing Body of Drighlington Primary school is looking to appoint a Head of School to work alongside our experienced Executive Headteacher and supportive Governing Body. This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring individual with a track record of successful senior leadership experience. As Head of School, you will work closely under the direction of the Executive Headteacher and ensure the school is managed and effectively organised on a day-to-day basis. Working with others you will be responsible for evaluating the school’s performance to identify priorities for continuous improvement and raising standards.

Situated on the border between Leeds, Bradford & Kirklees, Drighlington Primary School is a friendly, inclusive school of over 400 children where the values and ethos of a high level of care for every individual underpin our daily work. Through our personalised curriculum, positive teamwork and collaboration with families we ensure that each child reaches their full potential.

Our children and local community are looking for someone who:

• Has passion for learning, is aspirational and skilled at unlocking every child’s potential to help them succeed
• Has the ability to engage warmly and collaboratively with families and the wider community
• Can work with the Executive Headteacher to enhance our curriculum and extended provision to meet the changing needs of our community
• Can lead by example and can motivate staff on their journey of continuous development and improvement
• Is an excellent communicator with high levels of emotional intelligence
• Is imaginative, creative and resilient at meeting new challenges

Our school offers:

• Enthusiastic, happy and motivated children
• A friendly and welcoming school for our children, staff, families and the wider community
• A committed staff team and strong and active PTA
• A commitment to support you and your professional development.
• A supportive Governing Body
• An attractive, safe and positive learning environment
• Strong local primary school partnerships

Drighlington Primary School has embarked on an exciting new journey, creating a Federation with Robin Hood Primary School.  There are many benefits to the Federation; it will allow us to promote educational excellence to all pupils, greater collaboration and sharing of skills and best practices.

Our Federation Vision and Ethos 

We strive for sky-high aspirations and embrace a journey of growth where every child matters. 

Our ethos of reflection and commitment to outstanding standards guide us in providing an inclusive curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all learners. 

Through passionate and engaging teaching, we will nurture each pupil’s development, fostering independence, resilience, and confidence as they progress toward achieving their full potential.

We believe in the power of partnership, where a positive team spirit and mutual respect create a supportive environment for both staff and pupils. 

With enthusiasm for learning, we prepare our pupils for the next stages in their lives, empowering them to become collaborative, lifelong learners. 

By celebrating progress with praise and reward, we ensure that each learning experience is meaningful and contributes to the success of every individual.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact Sara Harris, Executive Headteacher –s.harris@drighlingtonprimary.org.uk 

You are warmly invited to visit our school and are welcome to come and find out more about us, please contact the school business manager to book a slot: A.purchon@drighlingtonprimary.org.uk 

Appointments are available on:

25th April – Afternoon

1st May - Morning

7th May – Afternoon

Closing date: Midday 9th May 2025

Shortlisting: 13th May 2025

Assessment Day: 20th May

Interviews: 22nd May

For a full recruitment pack and application form please email educ.headteacher@leeds.gov.uk

Drighlington 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.  

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.

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.

Policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders