Job title and organisation: Headteacher - Horsforth West End Primary School
Salary: L15 - L21 £73,105 - £84,699 
Hours:  Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Location: Horsforth West End Primary School, West End Lane, Leeds LS18 5JP
Closing Date: Friday 6 February 2026 at Noon

Start Date: April 2026 (post Easter - preferred) / September 2026

The Governors, staff, children, and parents of West End 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 build on our ongoing commitment to raising standards and meeting the diverse needs of all our children.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven, effective leadership experience with a strong strategic vision for whole-school improvement.
• High expectations for pupil attainment, behaviour and attendance, ensuring sustained success from early years onward.
• An inspiring, inclusive leader who motivates, challenges and supports staff to perform consistently at a high level and champions staff wellbeing and professional development.
• A collaborative and highly effective communicator who builds strong partnerships with parents, carers and the wider community.
• A proactive, resilient and forward-looking attitude, with the ability to respond effectively to challenge and change.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, statutory responsibilities and resource management.
• Passion to continue the collaborative and effective relationship between the school and the Governing Body fostering a positive school culture.

At West End Primary School, we are proud to offer:

• Enthusiastic and engaged children who love to learn and are taught to show respect and consideration for others.
• A committed, caring and experienced staff team with a passion for raising standards and improving the lives of all children.
• Opportunity to continue to develop our caring and nurturing ethos and the wide range of opportunities we provide to support pupils’ personal development.
• Supportive parents and carers who want to be partners in the education of their children.
• A supportive and pro-active Governing Body who recognise the importance of continued professional development.
• Outstanding school grounds, including expansive green space, adjacency to woodland, a dedicated outdoor learning area with a fire pit and well-maintained facilities.
• Well established local cluster of primary schools who work together at key points throughout the year and strong transition links with the high school in Horsforth.

We encourage prospective candidates to visit our 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, Lindsey James, to book a time slot: finance@westendprimary.org.uk 

School visits: Alternative days may also be available.

• Thursday 22nd January (PM)
• Tuesday 27th January (AM)
• Friday 30th January (AM)

Key Dates:

• Closing date for applications: Friday 6th February (12 noon)
• Shortlisting: Wednesday 11th February
• Assessment Day & Interviews: Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26h February (shortlisted candidates will be required to attend in person) 

For an application pack, please email:  educ.headteacher@leeds.gov.uk

West End 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 promote equality, diversity and inclusion and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds.

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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