Headteacher

Job description

Job title and organisation: Headteacher - Hirst Wood Nursery School & Children's Centre
Salary: L11 - L17, £67,898 - £76,772
Hours: Full Time, Term Time Only
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hirst Wood Nursery School & Children's Centre
Closing Date and Time: Friday 11th September 2026 at noon

Start date: 1 January 2027

The Governing Body of Hirst Wood Nursery School is seeking to appoint an aspirational and inspirational leader to the post of Headteacher, following the retirement of our highly valued and successful Headteacher after many years of dedicated service. Since 1932, Hirst Wood Nursery School has proudly served the World Heritage Site of Saltaire and its surrounding communities. We are committed to providing high-quality, inclusive and integrated early years education that makes a meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families. Our well-resourced provision supports children aged two to five years and is underpinned by a strong belief that every child deserves the very best start in life.

We have a long-standing reputation for excellence in early years education and are immensely proud of our children, families and the strong partnerships we have built within our community. Our stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments foster creativity, curiosity, independence and confidence, enabling children to thrive as enthusiastic and capable learners. As a designated Early Years Enhanced Specialist Provision, we work closely with families and professionals to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Places within this provision are allocated by the Local Authority, and inclusion is at the heart of everything that we do. We are seeking a strong, compassionate and aspirational leader who will drive the school forward and lead with integrity, warmth and high expectations.

The successful candidate will:

• Be relentlessly ambitious for the school, its children, its staff and the wider community.
• Be forward facing and work alongside colleagues, enabling them to model outstanding practice, build strong relationships with pupils, and remain closely connected to the quality of teaching and learning across the school.
• Be a strategic thinker with the resilience, determination and dedication to lead through challenge and change.
• Be a passionate champion of inclusion, safeguarding, equality, diversity and belonging.
• Model the highest professional standards and foster a culture of care, mutual respect, wellbeing and continuous development.
• Take an evidence-informed approach to all aspects of school leadership, teaching, learning and curriculum development.
  Have experience of monitoring and evaluating the quality of education, observing practice and providing incisive feedback that supports professional growth and improvement.
• Have a proven track record of system leadership, mentoring, coaching and developing colleagues through positive relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
• Engage fully with our school and wider community, bringing people together in a collaborative and positive environment underpinned by shared values and a commitment to excellence for all.

In return, we offer:

• A school where children are happy, motivated to learn and encouraged to follow their interests through a rich and engaging learning environment.
• An experienced, enthusiastic and supportive staff team committed to achieving the very best outcomes for every child.
• A highly experienced and dedicated governing board with a strong commitment to collaborative working and effective governance.
• A positive, ambitious and caring school community with a strong moral purpose, a commitment to excellence and a genuine sense of belonging for all.

Tours of the school are welcomed, please contact [email protected] to arrange a suitable date and time.

All applications will be responded to following shortlisting.

A candidate pack which includes the Job Description and Person Specification and details of how to apply for the position can be downloaded from www.prospectsonline.co.uk

Please note that CVs are not accepted.

Closing Date: 12 noon, 11 September 2026

Shortlisting: 15 September 2026

Selection Interviews: Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 September 2026

The school prides itself on being an equal opportunities employer and abides by Safer Recruitment Practices. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. An online search will be carried out at shortlisting. All other Pre-employment checks including a DBS check, will be completed during the recruitment process.

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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