Airedale Academy
Wakefield
£69,596 - £76,772 per year
Salary:
Leadership
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
01 January 2026
Apply by:
1 October 2025
Job overview
Airedale Academy is an 11-16 mixed comprehensive with 1,100 pupils on roll. The academy is, situated in Airedale, Castleford and recently joined Castleford Trust. Since joining the Trust in February 2025, the school has seen rapid improvements in pupil behaviour and curriculum planning.
Castleford Trust is a dynamic and inclusive Multi Academy Trust, consisting of nine schools across all phases: three secondary academies, two primary academies, two junior academies and two infant academies. All of the academies are located within the geographical area of Wakefield, forming a medium-sized trust with a strong community feel.
At Castleford Trust, our vision is "Working together to achieve excellence for all." We are deeply committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential and that no child is left behind. Our Trust is an exceptional place to work, offering a supportive and dedicated team of staff who share a common goal of making a difference to the life chances of pupils. We take great pride in developing and nurturing talent by providing extensive opportunities for staff training and professional development.
We are in a position to offer an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, dynamic, motivated and inspirational leader to take the next step in their leadership career. We are seeking to appoint an Assistant Headteacher who, in partnership with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team will lead Airedale Academy to improve the Quality of Teaching & Learning, specifically through creating and driving a culture of high performance and consistent improvement.
Your application will need to demonstrate that you are/have:
Substantial senior or middle leadership experience in a secondary school with strong evidence of success and impact.
Experience of leadership of whole school initiatives.
The ability to lead, motivate and inspire staff.
An ability to analyse and evaluate data to improve outcomes for pupils.
The ability to motivate, inspiring confidence in pupils that they can succeed and achieve their personal best.
An ability to manage conflict and think creatively to solve problems.
A deep knowledge and clear understanding of educational legislation, new innovation and developments.
An ability to use the full range of leadership skills and qualities including emotional intelligence as appropriate to the situation.
A personal commitment to inclusion and diversity to ensure the maximum benefits for pupils and staff.
An enthusiastic leader, committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all pupils.
Someone who can provide clear direction and shared purpose for all pupils, staff and stakeholders.
A strong commitment to professional development for all staff including yourself.
You will also need to be:
Supportive of the academy's ethos and values at all times both within the academy and the wider community.
Committed to inspiring pupils and staff in the development initiatives and strategies, promoting whole school improvement.
An excellent communicator who is at ease with all stakeholders but particularly pupils and parents/carers.
Able to demonstrate an ability to be resilient and determined whilst also providing support, demonstrating empathy when dealing with staff in a sensitive and considerate manner.
As part of our team at Castleford Trust, you will have access to a comprehensive package of wellbeing support designed exclusively for schools, providing access to a team of in-house wellbeing experts, counsellors, nurses and physiotherapists.
Airedale Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. For all positions at Airedale Academy, you are required to complete a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check prior to appointment.
Application forms can be downloaded from our website, ????. Completed applications should be addressed to Andy Percival, Headteacher at the school address or via email to
Providing suitable interest, the closing date for applications is 8.00 am on Wednesday 1st October 2025, with interviews held the following week.
We welcome visits to the school, should you wish to arrange a tour please contact Katrina Baker on for the dates and times available.
For further information on the school, the role and how to apply please visit or email
Recruiter contact:
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About Airedale Academy
Airedale Academy
Crewe Road, Airedale, Castleford
West Yorkshire
WF10 3JU
United Kingdom
Airedale Academy is a mixed, non-selective, non-denominational secondary school with a sixth form in West Yorkshire, serving students from the ages of 11 to 18. The secondary school, situated in Airedale, Castleford has 1100 students on record. It is part of Northern Ambition Academies Trust, a 4 school MAT spanning an age range of 2-18.
Andy Percival
Headteacher
Our values of Ambition, Bravery and Respect run through everything we do here at Airedale and we aim to instill these values in all of our students. We want to help develop our students into happy, well prepared, and confident adults, who adopt an 'I can' mentality and aim high in all they do. To enable us to achieve this and be the very best we can be, we are committed to working in partnership with students, their parents/carers and the community. Our absolute aim is to make the most of every young person's time with us.
Ofsted
Ofsted (November 2022)
"Leaders have planned a curriculum with breadth and ambition. The opportunities this
curriculum offers are open to all, including pupils with special educational needs and/or
disabilities."
"The school makes a considerable effort to provide wider opportunities for pupils. There
are many trips and educational visits available. The school ensures these opportunities are
available to everyone. 'Airedale on tour' is the programme of summer trips."
View Airedale Academy's latest Ofsted report
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