Executive Headteacher L12 – L18 (£67,898 - £78,702) Permanent, Full Time. Required to start 1 January 2027 or earlier if possible. Are you an experienced and inspirational leader with an uncompromising belief that all children deserve the best education? Due to the retirement of the current postholder, the Governors of The Acorn Federation seek to appoint an inspirational, experienced and highly motivated teacher, with senior management experience. We are looking for someone with drive and determination to enthuse and inspire our whole school community. You will ensure that our pupils receive a creative and inspiring education in a stimulating and happy environment with an emphasis on commitment, inclusion, and expertise to continue to embed our ethos and values. The successful candidate will be: An experienced leader with integrity, enthusiasm, and with high expectations of staff and children. A resilient leader who is committed to rigorously instilling the highest standards for all members of our schools’ communities, so the children get the very best education and staff are supported in their professional development. An Executive Headteacher who can maintain our current high standards of behaviour. A strategic thinker with the vision and passion to drive forward curriculum, ensuring the highest levels of teaching and learning. An inspiring leader making sure our children leave The Acorn Federation as mature, rounded, resilient individuals, ready for the next steps in their education. A caring leader with the understanding of how to support and nurture the wellbeing of children and staff in our school. An outstanding communicator who has the ability to maintain a strong and cohesive wider school community. In return, we offer the opportunity to make a difference to the future of our children and to work with motivated, dedicated and talented staff. You will also be supported by our highly proactive governors, the Local Authority and the schools communities in your role and with your continued professional development. We highly recommend that you visit our schools so that you can get a feel for The Acorn Federation before applying. To arrange a visit please contact Helen Atherton, School Business Manager on 0191 3770293. If a visit is not possible, an informal discussion with the Headteacher can be arranged, by contacting the school office on 0191 3770293. Further information about our school can be found on our websites: West Pelton Primary School www.westpelton.durham.sch.uk Cassop Primary School www.cassop.durham.sch.uk Completed application forms should be returned to EDGS.Administration@durham.gov.uk. The Governing Board is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Disclosure form. This post is not open to job share. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required. Closing date for applications is Thursday 11 June 2026 at 12 noon. Interview date: Wednesday 1 July 2026. West Pelton Primary School, Twizell Lane, West Pelton, Stanley DH9 6SQ Cassop Primary School, Cassop, Co Durham DH6 4RA Tel: 0191 3770293 Email: p2362.admin@durhamlearning.net VPRS/161