Headteacher

Vacancy Summary

Headteacher

Salary: L15 - L21

Contract: Full time / Permanent 

Start date: January 2025

Vacancy Information

Westgate Primary School is a single form entry primary school located in Otley, a small market town close to Leeds. We are proud of our strong and inclusive school community in which children are supported and encouraged to reach their potential. This is exemplified by our school motto “Striving for Excellence, Caring for Children”. We believe in a broad, inclusive curriculum with music and the arts having an important place in the school alongside the core subjects. We are looking for the right individual who shares in our vision and has the ambition and skills to lead us and build on our success.

We are looking for: 

• a visible, committed, and experienced leader who will fulfil the vision and values of the school
• a leader who will continue to drive innovative school improvement, founded on sound pedagogical research and recognising our “whole child” approach to education
• a passionate individual who will shape our school provision to meet the needs of all our children and keep our learners happy, healthy, and safe 
• a leader with the expertise to manage all staff, empowering them and supporting their own personal development to achieve our common goals
• a practical and pragmatic individual who leads the staff team by example

Our new Headteacher will bring:

• innovative, strategic, and empowering leadership skills with a vision that inspires and motivates others
• the energy and creativity to further develop our broad and inclusive curriculum at the same time as maintaining existing practices that are working effectively
• a commitment to embedding achievement for all pupils, including those who have Special Education Needs, and to ensure their needs are met
• high expectations of all pupils in their attainment, behaviour and attendance and the skills needed to translate these expectations into pupils achieving their full potential
• a recognition of the need to support the wellbeing of pupils and staff to maintain a happy and successful school community
• the ability to listen to and communicate clearly with all stakeholders, including staff, pupils, parents and the governing body
• a demonstrable track record of developing and supporting a team to meet the high expectations required and unlocking their personal potential
• an organised and efficient approach to overseeing the administration and finances of the school

In return, we can offer: 

• children who are happy, respectful, eager to learn and proud to contribute to the Westgate school community
• a dedicated and hardworking staff team with a wide range of experience who are keen to build on the school’s existing strengths
• a supportive governing body committed to enabling the ongoing success of the school with regular monitoring
• Friends of Westgate - our energetic and supportive PTA
• a caring and inclusive ethos where everyone is valued
• a collaborative family of schools across Otley who work together and support each other
• an induction process supported by the Governing Body and the Local Authority

For more information on our school, please look on our website: Westgate Primary School - Home

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact the chair of governors –Andrew Ross on A.Ross@westgateprimary.co.uk

You are warmly invited to visit our school and are welcome to come and find out more about us, show rounds are available on Monday 15th July (PM) and Tuesday 16th July (AM). Alternative days may be possible please contact the School Business Manager to arrange a convenient time: Please email a.bleasdale@westgateprimary.co.uk

To request a recruitment and application pack please email educ.headteacher@leeds.gov.uk/

Closing Date: 12 Noon, Friday 6th September 2024

Shortlisting: Wednesday 11th September 2024

Assessments and interviews: Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th September 2024

Westgate 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.