ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL

REQUIRED TO START: 1 September 2026, or earlier if available

SALARY: Leadership Scale L10 - 16

CONTRACT: Permanent, full time

REPORTING TO: Executive Headteacher (Rotherham Hub)

LOCATION: East Dene Primary, Rotherham

Central Learning Partnership Trust is a highly successful, cross-phase multi academy trust. We are underpinned by a moral purpose: to change lives for the better. We are committed to improving the life chances of our young people, to developing their confidence and resilience, and to enabling them to embrace the challenges ahead. Above all, we encourage pupils to be ambitious for themselves, their families and their communities.

CLPT has 16 schools located across three geographical hubs:

·       Rotherham – three primary schools

·       Wolverhampton – two primary schools, three secondary schools and three special schools including Wolverhampton Vocational and Training Centre

·       Worcestershire – five special schools including SEMH and alternative provisions.

Our track record of school improvement is built on the strength of our School Improvement Partnerships, where highly effective Executive Headteachers work across two or three academies, each with its own Head of School and leadership structure. This collaborative model ensures support, challenge and accountability, and allows us to grow our own leaders and create strong succession pathways across the Trust.

We are now seeking to appoint an Associate Head of School for East Dene Primary in Rotherham. East Dene sits within our Rotherham Hub, working alongside Coleridge Primary and Eastwood Village Primary.

The successful candidate will work under the strategic guidance of an Executive Headteacher, providing day-to-day leadership of East Dene and contributing to the ongoing development of the hub.

We are looking for an Associate Head of School who:

·       is collaborative, adaptable and able to balance operational leadership with a clear strategic vision

·       is an effective, innovative and ambitious leader with a track record of securing high expectations for all

·       has excellent interpersonal skills, is approachable and builds strong, positive relationships

·       is committed to the development, wellbeing and success of both pupils and staff

·       is enthusiastic about contributing to school improvement across the wider Trust. In return, we can offer:

·       a friendly, caring and supportive employer who prioritises staff wellbeing

·       strong professional guidance from an experienced Executive Headteacher

·       a highly skilled network of senior leaders within the Rotherham Hub and across CLPT

·       an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the growth and development of East Dene Primary

·       a Trust with a passion for education; encouraging staff and pupils alike to take risks, develop new ideas and innovate.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact our Executive Headteacher, Ian Tankard, for an informal conversation about the role.  Please contact Jullie Wright (j.wright@eastdene.org) to arrange an appointment.

Potential candidates are also welcome to visit our schools. This is a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff and get a feel for the vibrant community we have built at CLPT.  We look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have.

KEY DATES

Application Deadline: 9.30am, Friday 20 March.

Interviews: Week commencing 23 March

Start date: September 2026

Preset Visit Dates: 16, 18 March - 3.30pm - 4.30pm by appointment

IMPORTANT LINKS

East Dene: www.eastdene.org

Central Learning Partnership Trust: www.clpt.co.uk

CONTACT INFORMATION

Tel: 01709 512202 Email: j.wright@eastdene.org

To apply for this vacancy, please complete the application through the My New Term platform, accessible via the Trust's website: www.clpt.co.uk

COMPLIANCE AND SAFEGUARDING

To apply, completed application forms should be submitted via the My New Term platform.

Please note that by submitting an application, you acknowledge that we reserve the right to view any publicly available information published online (including social media platforms) as part of our shortlisting process, in line with current KCSIE guidelines.

CLPT is required under law and guidance to check the criminal background of all employees. Decisions to appoint will be subject to consideration of an enhanced disclosure, including a Barred List check, from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

If shortlisted for an interview you will be required to disclose to us information about any:

·          adult cautions (simple or conditional);

·          conditional cautions;

·          convictions in a Court of Law; and

This information can be disclosed either verbally at interview or by completing a relevant conviction form after interview if that is your preference. It is an offence for anyone to apply for a role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

CHILDCARE (DISQUALIFCATION) (Applicable to Primary aged Schools)

In accordance with the Childcare Act 2006 and the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulation 2009 the Governors are required to obtain an additional staff disqualification declaration for employees within settings providing care for early years childcare (this covers the age range from birth until 1^st September following a child’s fifth birthday i.e. up to and including reception age) or later years childcare (this covers children above reception age but who have not attained the age of 8) in nursery, primary or secondary school educational settings, or if when directly concerned with the management of such childcare related establishments. This declaration is to confirm that you are not disqualified ‘by association’ to anyone currently residing within your household who is disqualified under the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulation 2009

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN THE UK

We are legally obliged to ask you to provide evidence of your right to live and work in the UK.  If you are successful, we will ask you to provide appropriate documents, such as a passport, visa of full birth certificate and national insurance number to confirm this.  (Further details are available from the UK Boarder Agency website).

CLPT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  CLPT expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.  This post involves working with children and therefore will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

If you are shortlisted for an interview, we shall request two references at this stage to comply with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The academy values diversity and promotes equality and will guarantee an interview to disabled candidates if the essential job criteria is met fully.