New Collaborative Learning Trust
Wakefield
Salary:
Trust Leadership Scale L9 - £70,149 (pay award pending). A recruitment and retention allowance may be available for an outstanding candidate.
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
29 September 2025
Job overview
We are looking for an ambitious and experienced finance professional to take on the role of Head of Finance, a senior leadership position at the heart of our growing Trust.
About the role
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and working as part of the Trust Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic financial leadership and ensure the efficient and effective deployment of resources across our family of schools and colleges.
This is a high-profile role with significant influence. You will lead and develop our central finance team, oversee all aspects of financial management and reporting, and provide the insight and analysis that enables our Trustees and senior leaders to make confident, evidence-based decisions. As well as ensuring compliance with statutory, audit and ESFA requirements, you will drive continuous improvement in our systems and processes, ensuring our services are fit for purpose and future focused.
About you
We are seeking a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW or equivalent) with proven senior-level experience in finance leadership. You will combine strong finance skills, excellent attention to detail, and comprehensive knowledge of monthly reporting and forecasting with the interpersonal ability to build effective relationships at every level.
Alongside your professional expertise, you will bring ambition, flexibility, and a collaborative approach, with the drive to help us achieve our vision for growth and excellence. While experience in the education sector is desirable, it is not essential – we welcome applications from across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
In return, NCLT will support you to advance your finance career with access to high-quality professional development and funded CPD, alongside a generous package that includes 40 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and five additional closure days. Based primarily at Trust HQ in Normanton, with flexibility to work across our other sites, you will be part of our shared services team, where a strong ethos of collaboration underpins the growth and development of the Trust.
Working at NCLT:
At New Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT), we believe every role plays a vital part in shaping young people's futures. As a values-driven and inclusive organisation, you'll join a team where 96% of staff feel a shared sense of purpose and pride in their work. We offer a supportive, forward-thinking environment with flexible working, strong wellbeing initiatives, and career development opportunities. Please explore our Employer of Choice page to learn more:
Our benefits include:
* Teachers' Pension Scheme / Local Government Pension Scheme
* Flexible working and special leave policies
* Lieu days and annual wellbeing day
* Funded CPD and development opportunities
* Strong track record of internal promotion
* Access to wellbeing support and occupational health services
* Cycle to Work Scheme and technology purchase scheme
* Modern, well-equipped working environments
* Free on-site parking (at all our sites)
Apply now
To find out more or arrange an informal discussion about the role, call or email
For further details and to apply please click the apply button.
Closing date: 9am on 29th September 2025.
NCLT will raise standards across our family of schools and colleges. We will promote a culture of aspiration, excellence and enjoyment. We will use our collective strengths and expertise to benefit our children and young people. A charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (company number:
NCLT has a commitment to safeguarding students and the successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks in line with Safer Recruitment guidance. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We value diversity and actively promote equality of opportunity. As a Disability Confident Leader, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a post will be offered an interview.
About New Collaborative Learning Trust
Collaborative Learning Trust
Pontefract Road, Normanton Industrial Estate, Normanton
West Yorkshire
WF6 1RN
United Kingdom
An exciting opportunity to join an outstanding team and be at the forefront of our organisational development
Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT) is a growing educational Trust which began with New College Pontefract in 2015. The Trust currently comprises of three 16-19 Colleges, three Secondary Schools and three Primary Schools. NCLT has a dynamic, positive and supportive culture for staff and students, with an enviable reputation for staff career progression and development.
We have a strong track record of improving the quality of education, raising aspirations and helping young people progress to higher education, apprenticeships and careers. Our vision is that our colleges and schools will make a significant difference to the lives of young people. As a result together we can make a positive contribution to social mobility. This is coupled with our commitment to provide an outstanding and consistent student experience through collaboration between our schools and colleges.
The Trust is dedicated to developing and retaining talented staff to ensure we remain a leading organisation in an ever-changing environment. It is important to us that staff want to work for the Trust and choose to stay longer term, due to the care and support they receive, and the career opportunities we offer. We are a values-driven organisation with a compelling narrative and a clear vision. We will continue to invest heavily into personal and professional growth by staff development and staff wellbeing.
Thank you for considering the exciting opportunities available with us. You will join a focused and driven team, committed to providing the highest standards of education and service.
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