Ackworth School is looking for an inspirational and innovative leader to join their Senior Leadership Team.
Ackworth School, located in a beautiful rural setting in West Yorkshire, was founded in 1779 by John Fothergill on behalf of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The School was established for Quaker boys and girls, and the Quaker ethos, with its emphasis on quiet reflection and the search for God (or good) within oneself and within others, lies at the heart of the School.
Today, the school roll is around 425, comprising day and boarding pupils aged 2-18, with the majority from non-Quaker families and about 20% in the Senior School coming from other countries. Indeed, the international nature of the School, especially in the Sixth Form, is one of its distinctive features.
The campus extends well beyond the original Grade 1 listed building, providing a wide range of facilities. The extensive grounds are the setting for a range of sports fields and a Forest School.
At the centre of the School’s vibrant community lies the Quaker philosophy of “Non sibi sed omnibus” — not for oneself but for all. This guiding principle, alongside the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, truth, equality, peace, and sustainability, shapes every aspect of life at Ackworth.
The School is looking to grow its senior leadership team with professionals who have strategic vision as they identify challenges and the ability to be innovative as they inspire those around them. The Head, Martyn Beer, leads the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) that will include the Head of Junior School, the Director of Finance and Operations, Deputy Head Curriculum (2-18), Deputy Head Pastoral & Boarding (2-18), Head of Sixth Form, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications, Head of HR, and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The Deputy Head Pastoral and Boarding (2-18) will lead on all pastoral and boarding areas of the School Development Plan and work with the junior school in ensuring a seamless approach to pastoral care. Additionally, the role involves supporting the Head of Boarding in developing a safe and nurturing boarding environment in which students can develop socially and flourish. Specific responsibilities include:
1. Taking a lead responsibility in promoting and living out the Quaker ethos of the school
2. Staff wellbeing and training
3. Modelling good practice
4. Keeping abreast of all relevant regulations in pastoral care and boarding
5. Inspection readiness
6. Playing a key part in safeguarding and overseeing the work of the DSL and the PHSE programme
7. Working with others to promote boarding and appropriate liaison where academic, behavioural, and pastoral issues may overlap
It is likely the successful candidate will combine strong leadership and personal character with an active sympathy for the school’s Quaker values. You will also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key elements that underpin successful boarding provision and your ability to develop a culture in which striving for exceptional pastoral care is at the heart of the school. In addition, your experience to date should provide evidence of your ability to effect change and take that through to a positive conclusion at departmental and whole school level.
If you believe you have the right skills and experience and are excited by the challenge the role presents, you are warmly encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates wishing to arrange an informal, confidential discussion about the role should contact:
The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Monday 10 February 2025.
Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” on the right side of this webpage and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.
You should submit the following (both in PDF format):
* A completed application form
* A covering letter addressed to Mr Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School. In the letter, you should address the requirements of the role and draw on the relevance of your experience and skills to illustrate your suitability, paying particular attention to the person specification and overall job description.
If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Laura Beacon, Project Coordinator at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163.
Ackworth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
Closing date for applications is 10.00am (UK time) on Monday 10 February 2025.
Preliminary interviews will take place with RSAcademics via Teams by appointment on Thursday 13, Friday 14, and Tuesday 18 February 2025.
First round interviews are planned to take place at the School on Monday 10 March 2025.
Second round interviews are planned to take place on Wednesday 19 March 2025.
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