Post: Executive Headteacher
Location: Leyburn, North Yorkshire
Number on Roll: 98
Commencing: January 2027
Salary: L10 – L16 (£66,956 - £77,676)
Contract Term: Permanent
Our Opportunity:
The Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne is a federation of two small Church of England village schools with enthusiastic and engaged pupils and dedicated staff. We have been rated Good in our last Ofsted report and aspire to be exceptional in the future. We are now seeking a committed and forward-thinking Executive Headteacher who will bring a reassuring and steady presence during the next phase of the federation's journey, leading with clarity, compassion and purpose. They will ensure that our vision remains at the heart of decision-making and daily practice, shaping a culture where high expectations, strong relationships and inclusive values enable every child and adult to flourish. Through effective engagement with families, the church and wider community, they will continue to strengthen our role as a vibrant and welcoming federation.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead two thriving rural schools with a strong Christian ethos, supportive governors, committed staff and highly engaged communities. With a newly developed curriculum ready for implementation, a stable financial position and a clear vision for the future, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build on existing strengths whilst driving continued improvement in curriculum delivery, inclusion, SEND provision and pupil outcomes.
This is a full-time Executive Headteacher post with no timetabled teaching responsibilities. However, we are looking for a Headteacher who will be visible in the classroom, and who is prepared to model exemplary teaching.
About You:
You will be an inspirational and visible leader, led by Christian values and vision. You will have with a proven commitment to achieving the best outcomes for all children. Whether you are an experienced Headteacher or an aspiring leader ready for your first headship, you will bring the passion, resilience and strategic thinking needed to lead a unique federation across two sites.
We are looking for an inspirational leader with a strong track record of improving teaching, learning and pupil outcomes, alongside a clear commitment to inclusion and ensuring that every child achieves their full potential. The successful candidate will bring experience of, or a strong passion for SEND provision, pupil wellbeing and creating an environment in which all children can flourish.
They will champion our Christian vision and values, ensuring they remain central to the life of the federation and underpin both strategic decision-making and everyday practice. As a highly visible and approachable leader, they will build strong and trusting relationships with pupils, staff, families, governors and the wider community.
The successful candidate will be committed to developing others through high-quality professional development, coaching and support, enabling staff to grow and thrive in their roles. They will combine strong strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach, leading with optimism, integrity and compassion while maintaining high expectations for all members of the school community.
We can offer you:
- A positive and supportive culture that encourages all staff to grow, flourish, and reach their full potential.
- A unique opportunity to unlock the schools’ full potential and lead Middleham and Spennithorne Primary Schools toward becoming a shining example of excellence in primary education.
- Strong and consistent support from the Local Authority, the Diocese, a dedicated Governing Board, and a team of experienced, passionate, and committed staff.
- A Governing Body that is actively engaged and supportive, including in navigating sensitive matters and prioritising staff wellbeing.
- A collaborative local network, offering a valuable forum for sharing ideas, challenges, and best practice.
For further information about our opportunity, please visit our dedicated recruitment microsite.
The next Executive Headteacher will inherit a federation where people matter deeply and will have the opportunity to strengthen a culture in which pupils, staff and families can all flourish together. If you our ambition for every child to live a "Fruitful Life, Rooted in Love", we would be delighted to hear from you.
For an informal, confidential conversation about the role please call Ashley on 07814 932 389 or email. Ashley has been engaged to support us with recruitment to this exciting opportunity.
Key dates
Visits
We strongly recommend that you visit us so we can with you why we are so proud of our school, and you will have the opportunity to see what we have to offer. We can accommodate visits preferably on Tuesday 15th September, but please get in touch and speak to us if you would like to visit but can’t make this date.. If you would like to visit, please contact Ashley to book a place.
Application closing date: Midnight on Sunday 20th September 2026
Shortlisting: Tuesday 22nd September
Interviews: Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th September
When applying please take into account the following supporting documents:
Person Specification
Job Description
Application guidance, including policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders
The supporting information section of your application should clearly evidence your ability to meet the requirements we have outlined in the person specification. This will be used to shortlist applicants for this role and therefore it is imperative that you provide evidence as requested.
References
When completing your application, please provide two employment referees.
Safeguarding
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We have a robust child protection policy and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment at the school. We expect all staff and volunteers to this commitment.
Please note this post is in regulated activity and exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS criminal records and barred list check for work with children. An online search may be undertaken as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies and process applications on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Further information on how we process your data can be found here.
