Headteacher

Welcome to Acresfield Academy

Acresfield Academy is a happy, thriving and ambitious primary school at the heart of its community in Upton, on the outskirts of Chester.

As an Ofsted Outstanding, one-form-entry school, we are proud of our strong academic achievements, our dedicated staff and the positive relationships we have built with our children, parents and families.

Our success has also been recognised nationally. Acresfield was ranked 14th in the North West and 120th nationally in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025, reflecting the high standards and quality of education we provide.

But what makes Acresfield truly special is its people. Our children are happy, enthusiastic and eager to learn, our staff are passionate about making a difference, and our families are valued partners in school life.

We are now looking for an inspirational Headteacher to build on these strong foundations and lead Acresfield into its next exciting chapter.

About the role

With our current Headteacher moving to a new role, this is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious, creative and compassionate leader to make their mark on an already successful school.

We are looking for someone who will celebrate everything that makes Acresfield special while bringing fresh ideas, energy and a clear vision for the future.

Our next Headteacher will be passionate about providing an exceptional education, committed to developing others and determined to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

We welcome applications from both experienced Headteachers and talented senior leaders ready to take their first step into headship.

You will have the opportunity to shape the future of Acresfield, supported by a committed staff team, an engaged school community and the expertise and resources of North West Academies Trust.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has a genuine passion for children, education and high-quality teaching and learning.
• Leads with integrity, kindness, confidence and ambition.
• Can inspire, motivate and develop staff, creating a culture where everyone feels valued.
• Understands the importance of a broad, engaging and inclusive curriculum.
• Has the vision and determination to build on existing success and drive continuous improvement.
• Values positive relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and the wider community.
• Is reflective, forward-thinking and open to new ideas and opportunities.
• Shares our commitment to ensuring every child achieves their full potential.

Above all, we want someone who will put children at the heart of every decision and lead Acresfield with enthusiasm, warmth and a clear sense of purpose.

We can we offer you?

At Acresfield, you will find a school with strong foundations and an exciting future.

We can offer:

• An exceptional school to lead: The opportunity to build on the success of an Ofsted Outstanding school with a strong reputation and high aspirations.
• A fantastic team: Dedicated, talented and supportive staff who are committed to providing the very best for our pupils.
• Wonderful children: Happy, enthusiastic pupils who enjoy learning and take pride in their school.
• A supportive community: Positive relationships with parents, carers, governors and the wider community.
• The opportunity to make your mark: The scope to bring your own ideas, creativity and leadership to shape the school's future.
• Strong Trust support: Access to professional development, coaching, specialist expertise and a collaborative network of experienced Headteachers across North West Academies Trust.

Whether you are an experienced Headteacher seeking a new challenge or an aspiring Headteacher ready for your first appointment, you will be supported and encouraged to develop and succeed.

Why North West Academies Trust

At North West Academies Trust, we believe every child deserves an aspirational and inspirational education that opens their eyes to a world of possibility.

Our schools are at the heart of their communities, each with its own unique character and identity, united by a shared commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for children.

We believe education extends far beyond the classroom. From residential visits and sporting opportunities to enriching experiences and new challenges, we want children to develop the confidence, curiosity and skills to succeed in life.

We are equally committed to supporting and developing our staff and leaders.

As a Headteacher within our Trust, you will benefit from a strong network of colleagues who share ideas, celebrate success and support one another. You will have access to professional expertise, opportunities for collaboration and the support needed to lead your school with confidence.

We value individuality, encourage innovation and believe that by working together, our schools and their communities can achieve more.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Provide inspirational and effective leadership, establishing a clear vision and a culture of high expectations, inclusion and ambition.
• Build on the school's strengths, working collaboratively with the Trust, Local Governing Body and staff to identify priorities and secure sustained school improvement.
• Foster a positive school culture in which pupils and staff feel valued, supported and motivated to achieve their best.

Quality of Education

• Ensure the delivery of a high-quality, inclusive and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning and pupil outcomes, using evidence and data to inform improvement.
• Promote high standards of achievement, positive behaviour and enriching experiences that support pupils' academic and personal development.

People and Professional Development

• Lead, inspire and develop staff, promoting a collaborative culture of professional learning, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective staff management, including appropriate delegation, performance management, professional development and induction.

Safeguarding and School Management

• Provide effective leadership of safeguarding, promoting a culture in which the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all pupils are paramount.
• Ensure the effective management of school resources, finances, premises and operations, maintaining a safe learning environment and securing value for money.

Partnerships and Accountability

• Build and maintain strong relationships with pupils, families, governors, the Trust and the wider community.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, ensuring parents and carers are informed and involved in their children's education.
• Provide accurate and timely information on school performance, priorities and progress to the Trust, Local Governing Body and relevant external bodies.
• Contribute to the wider work of North West Academies Trust, sharing expertise and collaborating with colleagues across its schools.

The Headteacher will also undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and in accordance with the responsibilities and expectations set out in the Headteachers' Standards.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Desirable

• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or equivalent relevant leadership development.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• A strong understanding of high-quality, inclusive teaching and learning, with the ability to lead and sustain improvement.
• The ability to think strategically, communicate a clear vision and inspire others.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data and evidence to evaluate performance and inform school improvement.
• Effective financial and resource management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of maintaining a strong safeguarding culture.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop staff, fostering teamwork, professional growth and accountability.

Experience

Essential

• Successful senior leadership and management experience within a school.
• A strong track record of successful classroom teaching.
• Experience of contributing to school self-evaluation, development planning and improvement.
• Experience of managing, supporting and developing staff.
• Evidence of successfully leading improvement, change or development initiatives.
• Experience of building effective relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors and external partners.

Desirable

• Experience of leading whole-school self-evaluation and strategic improvement planning.
• Experience of managing significant budgets, resources or school-wide projects.
• Experience of working collaboratively across schools or within a multi-academy trust.

Personal Qualities

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:

• Integrity, warmth and a genuine commitment to children's wellbeing and success.
• Ambition, resilience and sound professional judgement.
• Creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to embrace new ideas.
• A collaborative and supportive approach to leadership.
• A commitment to inclusion, equality and opportunity for every child.
• The confidence to make decisions, reflect on practice and lead with clarity and purpose.

ROLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION  

Contract: Permanent  

Hours per week: Full time  

Salary: Competitive 

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  

Start date: September 2027 

Closing Date: Monday 4th January 2027 at 9am 

Informal virtual chat: Thursday 7th January 2027 

Shortlisted candidates school visits: w/c 11th January 2027 

Interview Dates: 19th & 20th January 2027 

Prospective candidates are invited to visit the school on 18th or 19th November. Please register your interest in a visit by emailing admin@acresfieldacademy.org.uk.