Oakbridge CE Primary, Northallerton, DL6 2FQ
*Please note: the Diocese of York is not the employer*
Headteacher of Oakbridge CofE Primary School, Northallerton
Full Time, Permanent
Required for September 2025
Oakbridge CofE Primary School is a Church of England, one form entry, new build Free School, located in North Northallerton that will grow year on year from September 2024. It is currently home to a cohort of 18 Reception pupils. If the need arises locally, plans exist to expand the school to two form entry. Dales were named as sponsors after a competitive process in 2021.
With love and compassion, we nurture kind children who care deeply. Rooted in our community and valuing God’s world, we share a responsibility to the world around us. Everything is possible through our courage and determination to learn and achieve excellence together.
The Appointment:
Nikkie Godbold, the Trust Director of Primary is the founding Headteacher of Oakbridge, and has ensured that the very highest of standards have been attained in setting up the school and achieved in the ongoing delivery of a high-quality education for our first cohort of children. This next phase of the leadership plan for the school will see the appointment of a Headteacher who will also work with the Director of Primary in support of all Trust Primaries in a school improvement capacity. Initially the successful candidate will work the equivalent of approximately two days per week in the Headteacher role and three days in the school improvement role; this will change over time as the school increases in size.
The successful candidate will be an exceptional individual whose vision aligns with that of the Trust and the school. They will be an experienced and credible leader who has the skills to provide school improvement support to support staff, and teachers, as well as middle and senior leaders. They will be an inspirational leader who models the behaviour they expect of others and capable of building sustainable structures and strategies. Equally comfortable working on their own, in small groups or across larger groups of Trust Primary staff, they will identify as an innovator, a lateral thinker who has an eye for detail but the ability to see the bigger picture and will be at all times, driven to achieve the best for the pupils within our schools.
The successful candidate will join our community of excellent, mutually supportive, strategically minded practitioners, committed to the Trust’s ethos and ready to continue their own professional development.
We are looking for a proven leader who will:
* Actively live out and embed the Christian Vision and core Christian values of the school.
* Be committed to developing others and be passionate about curriculum development.
* Be a dynamic leader who can inspire, support and develop the talents of pupils and staff to achieve the highest standards.
* Be passionate about ensuring every child achieves, to the best of their ability, through exceptional teaching & learning.
* Be adept in balancing appropriately the operational and strategic demands of the role.
* Be experienced in, and committed to, developing and nurturing collaborative partnerships both within the local community and across the wider Trust area.
* Be committed to the principles of appropriate accountability seen as a framework in which to achieve excellence for all.
* Consistently model the behaviour expected from staff and pupils.
* Be passionate in developing a learning experience that genuinely meets the needs of all learners, particularly those with SEND.
* Ensure the curriculum and learning experiences on offer are exciting, inspirational and prepare pupils for their next stages in education.
* Be a team builder and effective communicator.
* Be a lifelong learner.
* Endeavor to value not only the academic success of our children, but also their individual talents and achievements in other fields.
The school / Trust can offer:
* A working environment with a strong sense of community and moral purpose.
* Happy, confident pupils who are eager to learn.
* A highly skilled, enthusiastic, dedicated staff, committed to achieving the best outcomes for their pupils, through high quality pastoral care and teaching & learning.
* A proactive and supportive Local Governing Body.
* A school with an exceptional learning environment both internally and externally.
* A wide range of professional development opportunities, within the school’s context and the wider Trust.
* Unlimited support for school leaders in their pursuit of excellence.
* A unique opportunity to support school improvement across our primaries.
The skill set we have laid out is both extensive and diverse. Impact in your current role is important but so is your educational vision and philosophy. If you feel you have the right combination of experience and vision, we would be very interested to hear from you.
The successful post holder will be jointly line managed by the CEO and the Director of Primary and also accountable in the Headteacher role, to the Chair of the LGB.
Interested candidates can request an application pack by emailing the Trust, recruitment@dalesmat.org or alternatively can download it from the Trust website (Vacancies – Dales Academies Trust). Visits to the school are welcome but by appointment only, please telephone 01609 561020 to arrange an appointment.
Anticipated start date: September 2025
Dales Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and young people. We have a robust Child Protection Policy, and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment with the Trust. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children.
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