Following the retirement of the current post holder, Exceed Academies Trust are seeking to appoint a Headteacher at Oastlers School to lead this specialist setting, educating children and young people who have social, emotional and mental health disturbance (SEMH).  

Working closely with the existing Senior Leadership Team members both in school and across the Trust, this is a rare opportunity to lead an established designated SEMH specialist education provision, with 179 learners and 86 members of staff over 2 sites, based in central Bradford and Keighley.  

Oastlers is a Trauma Informed UK School helping children to move into positive emotional and relational health in order to positively impact behaviour and learning outcomes.  The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a successful track record of strategic leadership and sustainable school improvement, ideally gained within a large specialist setting, whilst having the ability to continue to successfully lead and motivate all key stakeholders, including staff, parents/carers and learners. 

Maintaining the highest standards of education and wellbeing for all pupils alongside strategic and operational leadership of the school, the Headteacher will build success, lead with integrity and drive forward an ambitious vision for the school.  This is an exciting opportunity for an inspirational leader to work alongside the existing Senior Leadership Team, utilising their skills and experience to enhance education in Bradford, ensuring that all children benefit from the outstanding learning opportunities they deserve whilst furthering their own career with Exceed Academies Trust.  

Oastlers School is part of Exceed Academies Trust, which currently consists of fourteen academies; ten primary schools, an all-through primary-to-secondary academy, two alternative provision academies (Primary and Secondary), and a specialist setting for children/young people who suffer from social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  The Trust has an excellent reputation within Bradford and beyond, and an outstanding track record of supporting staff in developing their careers through specialist training lead by the Exceed Teaching School Hub and our Outstanding SCITT. 

If you would like to know more about our school, please visit our website at Oastlers School - Home

The successful candidate will: 

• Demonstrate proven experience of leading a fully inclusive specialist setting, with a strong record of improving outcomes for children and young people. 
• Be a values-driven and ethical leader who champions equity and inclusion, committed to ensuring every child, regardless of background, ability or need, has the opportunity to succeed. 
• Possess a relevant leadership qualification such as NPQH, NPQEL, or be in the process of completing one   
• Be driven to engage in all aspects of school life, with passion and resilience to make a difference to the lives of children/young people 
• Provide strong, visionary leadership with a clear strategic direction for school improvement and growth working alongside the CEO
• Inspire and support staff at all levels to deliver high-quality teaching and learning  
• Maintain a culture of high expectations, inclusivity and aspiration for all pupils 
• Have experience as a successful senior leader with a strong track record of school improvement  
• Oversee effective operational and financial management, ensuring resources are used effectively and strategically 
• Work in close partnership with the Trust's central team and other Headteachers to share best practice and contribute to the trust-wide improvement 
• Be aware of the current SEND agenda at both a national and local level and have the ability to respond in a way which supports the school through any changes should they be required  

We can offer: 

• A highly inclusive approach to learning 
• Children who are enthusiastic to learn 
• A state of the art building and facilities 
• A supportive Trust central team, school leadership, governors, staff and parents 
• Opportunities for further development and training
• A healthy work-life balance 
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site parking 
• Excellent employer pension contribution scheme 

Applicants are encouraged to visit Oastlers School and visits can be arranged by contacting Emma Hendry (Chief People Officer) by e-mailing emma.hendry@exceedacademiestrust.co.uk.   

Exceed Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to related online content checks, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.  All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check as well as successful completion of a probationary period. 

 Exceed Academies Trust strives to be an employer of choice.  We are an inclusive and diverse multi academy trust and ultimately, our aim is to employ a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.  We are committed to achieving a balanced workforce at all levels, whilst ensuring that no individual is disadvantaged or treated less favourably.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities and will ensure a fair recruitment process without discrimination, in compliance with the Equality Act 2010.