Are you passionate about education and eager to make a lasting impact on young minds? Do you have a proven track record of inspiring a love for learning in your students? If so, we want to hear from you!
About the role
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding, enthusiastic, and committed Primary Teacher to join the team at Orchard Head Junior, Infant and Nursery School. The successful candidate will demonstrate high quality teaching to ensure pupils can make accelerated progress, securing outcomes through pupils through outstanding provision. You will use effective resources and uphold the highest standards of learning and achievement for all pupils.
This is a 0.6 FTE job share, permanent contract. The current working pattern for this role is Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic person who:
- has a passion for helping pupils thrive and meet their full potential
- has a friendly manner and can communicate effectively with staff and students
- can work effectively as part of a team but can also work independently using their own initiative
- has experience of working in a similar specialist area.
About Orchard Head Junior, Infant & Nursery School
At Orchard Head, success begins with strong foundations. Our dedicated staff are committed to nurturing a lifelong love for learning in every child, empowering them to become confident, independent, and successful individuals. We take pride in our above-national Key Stage 2 attainment and progress outcomes, reflecting our unwavering focus on academic excellence. Beyond academics, our personalised development opportunities enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with memorable experiences that shape their holistic growth. Together as a school community, we celebrate our achievements and eagerly anticipate continued growth, flourishing, and success at Orchard Head.
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 2022 and 2024.
We take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team. In our 2025 Staff Survey with Edurio, we received outstanding feedback, earning three awards based on national data from the 2024/25 academic year:
National: Trust Value Award – Excellence
- Regional: Staff Choice Award (Larks Hill Junior & Infant School)
- 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 2026. 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:
- Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities
- Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.
- For the 2025/26 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.
- Generous employer pension- (Teacher Pension Fund).
- Laptop.
- Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Blue Light card
- Discounted gym membership
- Free eyecare via Specsavers
- Childcare vouchers
- Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)
- Discounts at numerous retailers including O2
- Free flu vaccinations.
Important Links
Pontefract Academies Trust Website
Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028
Orchard Head J,I&N School Website
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10:00am, Friday 5th December 2025
- Interviews to be held: Monday 8th December 2025
- Start date: Monday 5th January 2026
Application Process
- Complete an application form via our website
Further Information
- Contact: 01977 723495 or recruitment@orchardhead.patrust.org.uk