Join our team at De Lacy Primary School!
De Lacy Primary school is an exceptional place to be a part of. The school prides itself on high expectations, positive relationships and innovative collaboration. Every member of the team plays an important part to ensure our pupils receive the best possible education. This was reflected in our Staff Survey with Edurio, where we were proud to have won a Regional Trust Benefit School Award. This award recognises the school in each region whose community is most confident that being part of their Trust is beneficial, recognising excellence at the school level.
At De Lacy Primary School, part of Pontefract Academies Trust, we pride ourselves on inclusivity and fostering independence among our pupils aged 3 – 11. With high standards of respect and achievement we truly aim to 'widen horizons' for all pupils. Notably, in, 80% of our pupils achieved expected standards in key subjects, demonstrating the strong academic outcomes our pupils achieve each year. Furthermore, in March, Ofsted rated us 'Outstanding' across all categories, affirming our commitment to excellence.
About the role
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, hardworking and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team at De Lacy Primary School. The successful candidate will be responsible for complementing the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an agreed system of supervision. They will also line manage other Learning Support Assistants, including allocation and monitoring of work.
This is a permanent, 27.5 hours per week, term time plus 2 days contract.
We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic person who:
1. has a passion for helping pupils thrive and meet their full potential.
2. has a friendly manner and can communicate effectively with staff and pupils.
3. can work effectively as part of a team but can also work independently using their own initiative.
4. has experience of working in a similar specialist area.
About Pontefract Academies Trust
Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primary and two secondary schools. Our mission is to run high-quality, high-achieving schools that give our children and young people the chances in life they deserve.
We are proud of the exceptional progress our schools are making. At Key Stage 2, our primary outcomes are 24% above the national average, with five of our seven primaries ranked in the top 5% nationally for combined outcomes. In the last 12 months alone, three of our primary schools – Carleton Park, Larks Hill, and Halfpenny Lane – were rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. Our secondary schools also continue to deliver strong outcomes. Key Stage 4 results in English, Maths and Science are consistently well above the national average, and both schools received successful Ofsted visits in and .
We take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team. In our Staff Survey with Edurio, we received outstanding feedback, earning three awards based on national data from the /25 academic year:
5. National: Trust Value Award – Excellence
6. Regional: Staff Choice Award (Larks Hill Junior & Infant School)
7. Regional: Trust Benefit School Award (De Lacy Primary School)
These awards reflect the culture we’ve built – one where staff feel valued, listened to, and part of something meaningful.
Looking ahead, we’ve recently announced an exciting development, a proposed merger with Ark Schools, planned for September. This step reflects our ambition to grow, never settle, and to do what’s right for our pupils, staff, and community. This change will bring even stronger support, greater collaboration, and more opportunities. We’re excited for what’s ahead and we hope that you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.
What can we offer you?
We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:
8. Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities
9. Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.
10. For the /26 academic year, we will be providing staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.
11. Generous employer pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS)
12. Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (starting from 29 days annual leave, up to a maximum of 32 days dependent on length of service and grade of role – plus 8 statutory bank holidays)
13. Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance
14. Cycle to work scheme
15. Blue Light card
16. Discounted gym membership
17. Free eyecare via Specsavers
18. Childcare vouchers
19. Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)
20. Discounts at numerous retailers including O2
21. Free flu vaccinations.
School Visits
Potential candidates are welcome to visit our school. This is a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and get a feel for the vibrant community we have built here. We look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have
Key Dates
22. Application Deadline: 10:00am, Friday 24th November
23. Interviews to be held: Monday 1st December
24. Start Date: ASAP
Application Process
25. Complete an application form
Important Links
Further Information
26. Contact: or
Application Deadline: 10:00am, Monday 24th November
Interview Date: Monday 1st December