West Lakes Academy is an 11-18 secondary school for 1200 children, situated in the stunning Western Lake District in Cumbria. West Lakes Academy benefits greatly from being part of the ambitious Changing Lives Learning Trust, which educates 2800 students across nine schools (three secondary, six primary) in the region, as well as providing the One Cumbria Teaching School Hub. The academy’s Sponsors – the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Limited, and the University of Central Lancashire - are fully committed to supporting its continued improvement.
Leading West Lakes Academy into the future will be a career-defining move. We are looking for an inspirational and tenacious Headteacher to realise our vision to succeed in ‘Changing Lives through Learning’ and to provide the very best possible educational opportunities for young people at the academy. We are incredibly proud of our school community, our loyal and enthusiastic members of staff, and our outstanding facilities. However, there is much more that we need to do for our students, and this is where our new Headteacher comes in. A monitoring inspection in 2023 concluded that the 2017 Outstanding judgement was unlikely to be retained at its next graded inspection. The school has recently gone through a period of challenge and instability, and since the pandemic, the expected high standards of behaviour, culture, and academic rigour have been lacking. We need a Headteacher with an impressive track record of school improvement, who will bring fresh, bold ideas, and confidently lead the academy in the next critical stage of its development. In parallel, we are also recruiting a Deputy Headteacher, giving you the chance to be involved in shaping the new Senior Leadership Team and driving transformative change.
To be successful as the next Headteacher of West Lakes Academy, you’ll be a visible, courageous leader who leads with honesty and integrity. You will need to recognise the current challenges at the school and share our ambition to ensure that every child can access the highest quality of education in a positive, caring environment. You may be an experienced, tenacious Deputy Headteacher looking for your first Headteacher post, but you could also be a serving Headteacher ready for your next challenge. What is most important is that you are an exceptional and optimistic leader, with a relentless drive to achieve excellence for all. You will have a flair for motivating others, embedding strong cultures of success, and engendering respect from staff and students alike. In return, you will have the autonomy and support to do what you need to rapidly move the school forward.
The wider Lake District region offers a blend of rural beauty, close community spirit, rich history, and some of the lowest house prices in the country. If this opportunity excites you both professionally and personally, and you have the ambition, inspiration, and determination to lead the next stage of the transformation of this school, we would love to connect with you. A generous relocation package will be available.
To discuss this role in more detail please contact our recruitment partners at Propelo by emailing changinglives@propelo.co.uk or calling 01273 222877 to arrange a confidential conversation.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 21st January 2025, 9am
Interviews: Week commencing 27th January 2025
Changing Lives Learning Trust values equality and diversity and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
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