Leeds City Council - Headteacher

Job Introduction

Job title and organisation: Headteacher - Farsley Farfield Primary School
Salary: L18 - 24 (£78,702 - £91,158) 
Hours: Full time 
Contract: Permanent 
Location: Farsley Farfield Primary School, LS28 5ED 
Closing Date and Time: Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 12:00 noon

Start date: 1st January 2027 

Governors are seeking an inspirational and ambitious leader to become the next Headteacher of Farsley Farfield Primary School. Join us and lead a school where children are encouraged to be curious, ambitious, compassionate and successful—and where learning extends far beyond the classroom.

This is a great opportunity to lead an inclusive and diverse primary school at the heart of a vibrant community. With approximately 440 pupils aged 3–11, extensive grounds, a unique school farm, strong academic outcomes, a rich curriculum and highly supportive families, Farsley Farfield is a school where children exceed expectations and staff are proud to work.

Set within extensive and inspiring grounds, our school offers a vibrant, nurturing environment in which every child is valued and supported to succeed.

The school is recognised for its long-term, highly inclusive ethos, ambitious curriculum and strong standards, with Ofsted highlighting its vibrant and aspirational approach to learning. We are looking for a leader who will build on our many strengths while bringing fresh ideas, strategic vision and a relentless commitment to ensuring every child achieves their full potential.

Our new Headteacher will inspire staff with a clear and shared vision for excellence, while ensuring that every child is cared for, supported and nurtured within our vibrant and inclusive school community.

Our new leader will be someone who:

• Can demonstrate a proven track record of successful leadership and school improvement
• Is passionate about delivering excellent outcomes for all children
• Places inclusion, wellbeing and safeguarding at the heart of everything they do.
• Can inspire and lead a highly skilled, committed and caring staff team to deliver continued excellence in teaching and learning
• Build strong relationships with children, families, governors and the wider community
• Build on the school’s strong reputation as a popular, inclusive and diverse community school with high academic standards and a broad, rich curriculum
• Champion an inclusive ethos, ensuring that every child is supported to thrive, including those with SEND and additional needs
• Further develop the school’s engaging and innovative curriculum, including its strengths in PE, outdoor learning, horticulture and cooking
• Maximise the use of the school’s exceptional grounds and unique facilities, including the farm and outdoor environments, to enrich pupils’ experiences
• Maintain and enhance strong academic outcomes, building on performance that is consistently at or above national averages
• Promote a culture of wellbeing, safeguarding and personal development, underpinned by the school’s established strong safeguarding practice
• Lead and strengthen partnerships with parents, carers, governors and the wider community
• Support the continued development of enrichment opportunities, including trips, residentials, sport and the arts
• Drive forward the effective use of technology in learning, building on the school’s strong IT provision

In return we can offer you:

The opportunity to lead a highly regarded, inclusive and successful school with a strong reputation for academic achievement and a rich, engaging curriculum. You will be supported by a dedicated and talented staff team, enthusiastic and well-motivated pupils, and a welcoming, diverse community. Our exceptional facilities—including extensive grounds and a unique school farm—provide a distinctive and inspiring environment for learning, while strong partnerships with parents, governors and the wider community ensure a collaborative and supportive context in which to lead and innovate.

For more information, please look on our website: Farsley Farfield Primary School

Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school to experience first-hand the unique qualities that make Farsley Farfield such a special place to learn and work.

Please email Ruth Fain, Chair of Governors (ruth.fain@farsleyfarfield.org.uk) to make an appointment.

Visits to school available on: 7th and 9th July 2026 at 9:30 am and 13:30 pm

If these dates are not convenient alternative dates may be possible, please contact Chair of Govenors to arrange.

The closing date for applications: 18th August 12 noon

Shortlisting will take place on: 9th September

Assessments and interviews will take place:  28th and 29th September 2026

To request an application pack please email educ.headteacher@leeds.gov.uk 

Farsley Farfield Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history and an online search will be conducted.  This includes only information publicly available online.

We passionately believe that a diverse workforce where everyone feels welcomed and valued will be a better place for children and our staff. We want a staff body which reflects the population of Leeds and understands the benefits this will bring.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people. 

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa  route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.