Headteacher

Headteacher

Contract type: Full time
Contract term: Permanent 

Post available from: 01 January 2027 (with an earlier start from 01 September 2026 possible)  

 Leadership Pay Range – Group 4   L18 - 24: £81,063 – £93,892   

Our headteacher has made the difficult decision to take up headship at another school within the county to be nearer her family and so the Governing Board are seeking to appoint an inspirational and dynamic leader to take up the leadership role at Pennine Way Primary School.

We are looking for someone who will ensure the school continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment in which children can thrive and achieve. The headteacher will also be expected to liaise with the Harraby Community Campus for the benefit of the wider community.

We can offer you: 
•    Enthusiastic, happy, motivated children
•    A committed team of teachers and support staff
•    A supportive and effective Governing Board
•    A modern community campus setting
•    Excellent relationships with the wider community
•    Our support for your Continuous Professional Development

We are looking for:
•    Empathy to the wellbeing and mental health values of pupils, parents/carers/staff
•    Exemplary communication skills at all levels within the school, the wider campus and beyond
•    An approachable, collaborative, and inspirational leader
•    A clear and distinct vision for the future of the school 
•    A commitment to excellence
•    An ability to manage the needs of a diverse suburban community

Pennine Way Primary School is a friendly school situated on the outskirts of Carlisle between a long-established local community along with new communities developing on the edge of Carlisle, as the City expands. We are an inclusive school where pupils come from differing backgrounds where the health and wellbeing of the child is just as important as academic achievement. Our school is a happy place where children feel cared for, treated with respect and given every opportunity to be successful and shine across the curriculum. 

In July 2022 Ofsted recognised that; “Pennine Way is a happy school. Pupils are taught to value cooperation, acceptance, respect and empathy. They are proud of their school and are eager to learn. Pupils know that leaders have high expectations of their learning and behaviour. Pupils respond well to these expectations. They achieve well as a result. Pupils behave very well in lessons and around school. They show the utmost care towards each other and towards adults.”

Visits to the school by prospective candidates to experience our friendly school community can be arranged by contacting Mrs Hanks on 01228 598978. For further information and to obtain an application pack please go to the school website www.pennineway.cumbria.sch.uk/join-our-team

Closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 8 May 2026 and should be emailed to: 
Mrs Sandra Hanks, Clerk to the Governing Board [email protected]

Short-Listed candidates will be contacted and invited to interview by email on Wednesday 13 May 2026. 
If candidates do not receive an email on this date, they have not been successful on this occasion. 
References of candidates will be taken up prior to interview, the interviews will take place on 
Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 May 2026

Pennine Way Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, an online search and will be asked to complete a self-disclosure form, prior to interview.