Cawood Primary School - Headteacher

As Headteacher, you will play a key role in shaping the methodology of teaching and learning in our school, driving curriculum development and ensuring strong progression across all subjects. Our governors are committed to a fair and thorough selection process that will allow you to demonstrate your ability to uphold and further develop the school’s distinctive Christian ethos. You will bring an understanding of the Church and its role in school life and be present at key services such as Harvest and Easter, ideally leading worship alongside the vicar. Your ability to care for and support staff, particularly during times of stress or challenge, will be essential, as will your commitment to fostering a positive team mentality. A strong inclusion culture is central to our Christian ethos, and you will champion high-quality SEND provision to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.

This is a wonderful opportunity to lead a school with a strong sense of community, high aspirations, and a commitment to excellence.

For an informal, confidential conversation about the role please email Ashley Benford, who has been engaged to support us with recruitment to this important role, or call on 07814 932 389. We warmly welcome prospective applicants to visit our school before applying. This is a great opportunity to experience our vibrant learning environment and see firsthand the enthusiasm our pupils have for their education. We would also encourage applicants to have a look at the school website and newsletters to get a feel for our school.

I hope you find the information provided useful and informative and that it will encourage you to apply. On behalf of the governing body, thank you again for your interest in Cawood CE VA Primary School.

Yours faithfully,

Emily Freeman
Chair of Governors

Post: Headteacher
Number on Roll: 143 (Mixed Year Groups)
Commencing: April 2026
Salary: L11 – L17 (£66,368 - £76,772)
Contract Term: Permanent

Our Opportunity:

Cawood Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School offers an exciting opportunity for an inspirational leader to join a thriving, deeply Christian community where every child is encouraged to “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Guided by our core Christian values of Perseverance, Friendship, Thankfulness and Wisdom, we are proud of our inclusive, forward-looking ethos that nurtures academic excellence, spiritual growth, and wellbeing. With strong parish links, a committed staff team, and engaged governors, we provide a rich, ambitious curriculum and vibrant collective worship that empower pupils to flourish as confident, compassionate advocates for others. This is your chance to lead a happy, respectful school with a clear vision, strong relationships and a passion for making a difference.

About You:

We’re looking for an approachable, empathetic leader who values strong relationships and clear communication. You’ll be accessible to parents, work collaboratively for the benefit of every child, and support the wellbeing of pupils and staff. You’ll attend key school and community events, including Harvest and Easter services, and engage fully with the life of the school. Excellent listening skills, a visible presence, and a commitment to partnership are essential parts of being a Headteacher at our school.

As a Voluntary Aided school, our governing body is the employer and, under the Equality Act 2010, may apply a Genuine Occupational Requirement for this role. We therefore seek someone who can demonstrate a positive commitment to the Christian faith and uphold our school’s distinctive ethos.

We can offer you:

A happy and friendly school, with delightful children who respect each other and have a thirst for learning.
A culture which allows all staff to thrive and develop.
An opportunity to see the huge potential that exists and the time to make Cawood CE VA Primary School a beacon of excellence in primary education.
Significant levels of support from the Local Authority, Diocese of York, Governing Board and a staff team who are experienced, committed and passionate about our school.
A Governing Body committed to providing support on all matters including more sensitive or difficult issues and including the wellbeing of all staff members.
The school is part of local education networks providing a support network for sharing ideas and best practice.

For further information about our opportunity, please visit our dedicated recruitment microsite.

For an informal, confidential conversation about the role please call Ashley on 07814 932 389 or email. Ashley has been engaged to support us with recruitment to this exciting opportunity.

Key dates

Visits

We strongly recommend that you visit us so we can share with you why we are so proud of our school, and you will have the opportunity to see what we have to offer. If you would like the opportunity to visit, please email Ashley.

Whilst we welcome anyone who would like to visit the school, we appreciate this isn’t always possible. Such a visit is not part of the selection process, and whether applicants have visited will not influence the outcome.

Application closing date: Midnight on Sunday 11^th January 2026
Shortlisting: Wednesday 14^th January 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 20^th and Wednesday 21^st January 2026

About Our School

Cawood is a rural village between Selby and York in North Yorkshire. Once the residence of the Archbishops of York, Cardinal Wolsey was resident here when he was arrested on Henry VIII’s orders in 1530. The school moved to it’s current site in 1906 and over the years the building has been extended. The buildings belong to the Cawood Feoffment Estate Educational Foundation which first established the school and continues to support us financially. The catchment includes a mix of long-standing village families, newer developments and some movement due to local employment. The school enjoys strong community ties, active church involvement and high parental engagement.

Our Pupils

Pupils at Cawood Primary School are friendly, polite and happy. They are supportive of each other and generally keen to learn and capable of high academic standards. We have high expectations for pupil behaviour and conduct and this is reflected in the positive behaviour and respectful culture seen in the school. They respond positively to the Christian values of the school and benefit from the nurturing environment.

Ofsted recognised July 2024: Around school, pupils behave well, taking care of each other. Pupils’ attendance is much better than the national average.

Our Staffing Team

Cawood Primary has a dedicated and stable staff team with strong commitment to our children’s wellbeing. Teaching across the school is consistently good with RE being a particular strength and evidence of strong progress across other areas. Our Early Years has judged to be outstanding. Subject leadership is stretched across a limited number of staff. Currently the Headteacher discusses the subjects with staff and supports the development of each of the subjects. The staff work as a team and there is often a negotiated approach to decision making. There is an ongoing need to build leadership capacity, particularly for non-core subjects. We will be looking for our next Headteacher to be able to continue this.

SIAMS recognised: Excellent leadership of religious education (RE) is promoting an exciting, challenging and engaging curriculum.

SLT structure: Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher and SEND and Inclusion lead. SENDCo role incorporated alongside teaching duties.

Headteacher responsibilities include: DSL, Looked after children, SEND role at KS1 (support for SEND). Support for SEND and inclusion needs as specified by EHCPs

The current Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher meet every day informally with more formal meeting twice a week. SMT with SEND and inclusion meet as required but at least weekly.

Staff Structure: There are 5 classes at Cawood. 4 Full Time Teachers (FTE). There is one job share in class 4, 0.8 teacher in class 3 (4 days a week) 1 day covered by Headteacher (HLTA)

SENDCo responsibilities: 1 KS2 teacher with SEND qualification and allowance. The Headteacher supports SEND at KS1. Our KS2 teacher is currently studying SEND (PQ)

2 HLTAs cover management time. 1 HLTA is a trained teacher but not qualified. Both HLTAs teach maths. Maths is taught in single year groups – overseen by the class teachers.

Our Governing Body

Our Governing Body is an active and supportive part of our school family. Governors work hand in hand with staff, parents, and the wider community to champion our vision and values. Their strong engagement ensures decisions are made collaboratively, always with the best interests of our pupils at heart. Together, we create a school where every child can flourish and every voice is heard. Our next Headteacher will have a supportive governing body and governor engagement.

Our Culture, Vision and Values

Our Learning and Wellbeing

Learning at Cawood CE VA Primary School

We offer a broad and inclusive approach to learning that supports every pupil to achieve their best. Our curriculum is designed to develop the whole child, combining academic excellence with personal growth. Central to this is our commitment to the “Five Ways to Flourish”:
Take Notice, Connect, Be Active, Give, Keep Learning – helping pupils build resilience, confidence, and a love of learning.

Teaching across the school is strong, with particularly good outcomes in reading and mathematics, supported by effective pastoral care and a culture of inclusion. Every child is encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and nurturing environment.

Ofsted recognised July 2024: The curriculum is especially strong in science and mathematics. The curriculum in mathematics enables pupils to develop their ability to reason. They apply their knowledge of numbers to solve increasingly complex problems. In science, pupils build their enquiry skills though practical activities. Pupils are excited about testing out scientific theories.

Wellbeing of Staff and Pupils

Wellbeing is at the heart of our school community. Our dedicated staff team works tirelessly to create a safe, supportive environment where every child feels valued and cared for. We prioritise emotional and mental health alongside academic success, ensuring pupils have the guidance and resources they need to flourish. We are also proud of our strong SEND provision and will be looking for a Headteacher who is able to maintain this. Staff wellbeing is equally important, and we foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and mutual support so that both pupils and staff can thrive together.

Ofsted recognised July 2024: “Pupils are kept safe and feel safe at school. They trust their teachers to help them learn and to support them in times of need. The vast majority of parents are very complimentary about the school, one comment echoed those of many, ‘This is a very friendly, inclusive school. It feels like a large family to my child and my family.”

Our Community

Relationships with parents, carers and the local community

As a small, rural school, we recognise the part we play as a central hub of village life. We have a strong sense of community and belonging, with a close partnership with All Saints Church, where we hold regular collective worship and community events.

We value strong partnerships with parents and the wider community. Friends of Cawood School play a vital role in enriching pupils’ experiences by fundraising for additional activities, resources, and opportunities beyond the classroom. Their support has helped fund school trips, visiting workshops, library books, playground equipment, and improvements to our learning environment. Parents are supportive and active in creating exciting opportunities that inspire curiosity and enhance learning for every child.

Relationship with LA and Diocese of York

We work closely with the Diocese of York (DOY) and North Yorkshire Council to ensure the school delivers high-quality education, upholds its Christian ethos, and provides the best possible support for pupils, staff, and the wider community. We have a good relationship with the DOY building manager to support with building maintenance.

Wider networks

As Headteacher at Cawood Primary, you will benefit from strong and established networks that provide guidance, collaboration, and practical support. Our school enjoys excellent relationships with local high schools, particularly Selby High, where many of our pupils continue their education. We are actively involved in local education networks, including the RE network, the science network (co-led by our current Headteacher), and the TRG maths group through our Maths Lead. Sport is supported by York City FC, enriching pupils’ physical development. In addition, you will have the backing of a highly engaged Governing Body, North Yorkshire Council, the Diocese of York, and a close-knit group of local Headteachers. You will also be supported day-to-day by a very capable Assistant Headteacher, ensuring strong leadership continuity and collaboration.

Ofsted Inspection and School Data

Ofsted

We are proud that we remain a “Good” school following our last inspection in July 2024. The report stated that as a school we excel in offering a caring, inclusive environment where pupils thrive through guiding principles known as the “Five Ways to Flourish.” Pupils are respectful, well-behaved, and feel safe, with strong support for those with SEND. The school’s curriculum is broad and well-structured, particularly in early reading, mathematics, and science, leading to above-average outcomes by Year 6. Hands-on learning, like in science, keeps pupils engaged, but some subjects, such as history, still need to help pupils deepen their understanding. Leaders are aware of this issue and are refining the curriculum accordingly. Our next Headteacher will inherit a school with strong values and high standards, alongside the exciting challenge of refining our curriculum so that all subjects offer the same depth and richness as our core areas.

Pupil achievement, attainment and progress

Our pupils achieve broadly in line with national averages, with particular strengths in reading and mathematics. Writing remains an active improvement priority, and we are committed to raising standards in this area.
As a small school with mixed-year classes, strong curriculum planning is essential to ensure progression and consistency. While variations in outcomes can occur due to small cohort sizes, these are carefully managed to maintain high expectations and continuous improvement.

Budget position

Our school is in a good financial position, providing stability and confidence for future planning. Current projections show healthy carry-forward balances:

2025/26: £151,500
2026/27: £143,900
2027/28: £60,700

While this secure starting point allows us to invest in curriculum resources (such as history) and playground development, we also face the typical budget pressures of a small rural school. Additional costs, including supply cover and School Improvement Partner involvement, require careful monitoring. Governors expect clarity on available funds for recruitment packages and prudent financial planning will be essential over the next three years, particularly with the possibility of fluctuating pupil numbers. Our next Headteacher will need to bring strong financial leadership to ensure we maintain this healthy position and continue to provide high-quality education and enrichment opportunities to all in our school.

Our Ambitions and Priorities

York Diocese

Leaders and staff work with York Diocese to develop a shared understanding of Spirituality and how this can be woven into the school’s provision.

York Diocesan Board of Education supports 123 Church of England schools and academies in the area from the Humber to the Tees. We have a dedicated team of professionals who offer a wide range of expertise and can help schools access further assistance.

The Education team aims to:

Be available as a ‘one-stop shop’ for pastoral and professional support;
Work with a range of agencies to promote school improvement;
Promote excellence and Christian distinctiveness;
Provide and facilitate professional development and governor training;
Help schools and academies network, collaborate together and share best practice;
Offer a Total Property Management scheme in association with DBE Services Ltd;
Guide schools on matters concerning trusts;
Work with schools exploring Academy conversion;
Involvement in recruitment processes for new Headteachers/Heads of School;
Support Headteacher appraisal;
Represent Church of England education to the wider church community and more widely to the public;
Maintain contact with the local authorities and the Regional Directors at the DfE.

The Rt Revd Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby and Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education, said:

“Supporting children and young people to be all they are called to be is at the heart of who we are as the Diocese of York.

Together with the Church of England as a whole, it is a vision for education which is deeply Christian, with Jesus' promise of 'life in all its fullness' at its heart, and as such is for the common good of the whole community. It is a holistic vision, where education, like the faith in which it is rooted, is about wisdom, knowledge and skills, but also about hope and aspiration, about how we live well together in community with dignity and respect for all.

Of course a vision this encompassing is only possible by working in partnership, both between teachers, staff, trusts and governors, and in developing ever closer links between schools, churches and households. By working closely together we can achieve far more than apart. I am delighted that you are considering applying to be a Headteacher in the Diocese and know that, if appointed, you will join the diocesan family of schools dedicated to supporting you as you lead deeper into this vision so that together all our schools and communities can be places where the love of God is reflected through all we are.”

Mari Palmer, Diocesan Director of Education, said:

”As a diocese, we are here to help celebrate and strengthen the Christian ethos in our schools. We understand that each school is unique and our aim is to get to know our schools on an individual basis in order to foster the local parish and community links as far as possible.

As such, our Education Team offers a range of support to our headteachers from both a school distinctiveness and effectiveness point of view, as well as providing a range of training and development opportunities for staff and governors to access over the course of each year. In a rapidly changing educational landscape, we are more and more involved in wider school development, particularly as schools change from one school status to another.

I do hope that you feel able to apply for the position and we would look forward to welcoming you as part of our diocesan family here in the Diocese of York”.

Living and working in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is England's largest county and one of the most rural. The area comprises the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a stunning coastline around Scarborough and Whitby. There are ruined castles and abbeys, serene gardens, unique breweries, thrilling rides and industrial heritage. The area hosted the phenomenal Tour de France ‘Grand Depart’ in 2014 and has since created the Tour de Yorkshire, an annual event with global recognition. Our success in supporting these events led to Harrogate hosting the UCI Cycling World Championships in 2019.

North Yorkshire has plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast. From the hard gritstone of Almscliff and Brimham rocks to the limestone of Malham, Gordale and Kilnsey climbing venues are in abundance. The Yorkshire Dales is the premier area for caving and for mountain biking; there are the bridleways of the Dales and North York Moors as well as the renowned trail centre at Dalby Forest. There are a small number of sailing clubs on reservoirs around the county and fantastic surfsport venues and sea kayaking on the east coast.

While the county is rightly known for its wide open spaces, it also incorporates attractive market towns including Pickering and Helmsley, traditional seaside towns, the Spa town of Harrogate and the ancient city of York - the most visited city outside of London. There are a wide range of shopping, leisure and cultural facilities as well as excellent schools, universities, road and rail links, there really is everything to offer you and your family as a place to work, live and enjoy!

Travelling further afield we have convenient connectivity, with close proximity to metropolitan cities of Leeds and Newcastle, with little over two hours commute on the main train line to London. We border the Lake District, Lancashire, County Durham, and Yorkshire & Humber regions with all they have to offer.

York

Cawood is closely located to the beautiful and historic city of York. York is England’s most visited city outside London and is situated in the north east of the country, in the stunning county of Yorkshire, by the River Ouse.

With its many tourist attractions: impressive architecture, museums, riverside walks, cafes and restaurants, York is an ideal place to live and work. The city has the good fortune to be situated approximately two hours by train from London and Edinburgh with frequent direct train services. Once the capital city of England, York is a much-loved destination, offering a mix of a modern, cosmopolitan city in an ancient setting.

The history of York is said to be the history of England. It is an ancient city with Roman walls and Viking remains, and the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe towers over the Medieval streets. Museums illustrate this history. A major tourist destination, York hosts events and festivals all year round, showcasing different types of music, theatre, culture, food and drink.

Application Documentation & Guidance

When applying please consider the following supporting documents:

Download Person Specification - Headteacher (.docx) (opens in a new tab)

Download Job Description - Headteacher (.docx) (opens in a new tab)

Application guidance, including policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders

The supporting information section of your application should clearly evidence your ability to meet the requirements we have outlined in the person specification. This will be used to shortlist applicants for this role and therefore it is imperative that you provide evidence as requested.

References

When completing your application, please provide two employment referees. One of these must be from your most recent employer.

Your application plays an important part in your selection. As part of the application process, you may have been asked to demonstrate within this application form how you meet some or all of the criteria or key competencies outlined in the person specification. The supporting information section of your application should clearly evidence your ability to meet these requirements. This will be used to shortlist applicants for this role and therefore it is imperative that you provide evidence as requested. Rather than simply repeating your career history, look at the skills and experience required by the job and provide evidence that you possess them by giving specific and detailed examples which include a focus on outcomes and on your own contribution to the scenario. Try to use different and varied examples wherever possible.

When completing these sections, do not forget the skills and experience you have gained outside full-time work. Outlining your previous work experience or other responsibilities may help you to uncover skills which you have taken for granted and which are clear signs of your ability to do the job.

Should you require the application form in a different format, please contact Resourcing Solutions.

Canvassing

Should your application be for a local authority school, you must not try to influence an elected Council Member, any council employee or a member of the school governing body, to act in your favour, as this will disqualify you. If you are related to a Councillor, a Council employee or a governor you must indicate this in the relevant section of the application form.

Data Protection

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies and process applications on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Further information on how we process your data can be found by reading our privacy notice.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

The post you are applying for requires you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children, with a barred list check if you work in regulated activity. This check for disclosure of criminal history will include spent convictions, pending prosecutions / current court proceeding and police enquiries.

Should you be shortlisted, you will be asked to disclose full details of your criminal history prior to your interview. This includes any information deemed relevant as part of Keeping Children Safe in Education which may arise in an online search undertaken on shortlisted candidates. This information may be discussed with you at your interview in order to assess job related risks, but we emphasise that your application will be considered on merit and ability and you will not be discriminated against unfairly. Failure to disclose this information will result in any offer of employment being withdrawn.

Please also see the policy statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders below.

Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders (Source www.gov.uk)

As an organisation assessing applicants’ suitability for positions which are included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order using criminal record checks processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), this school complies fully with the DBS code of practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly.
This school undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a criminal record check on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed.
This school can only ask an individual to provide details of convictions and cautions that it is legally entitled to know about. Where a DBS certificate can legally be requested (where the position is one that is included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) order 1975 as amended, and where appropriate Policy Act Regulations as amended) this school can only ask an individual about convictions and cautions that are not protected.
This school is committed to the fair treatment of its staff and potential staff, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependents, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.
This school has this written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, which is made available to all DBS applicants at the start of the recruitment process.
This school actively promotes equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. Candidates are selected for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience and criminal record information is only requested from short-listed candidates.
A disclosure is only requested from the DBS after a thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned. For those positions where a criminal record check is identified as necessary, all application forms, job adverts and recruitment briefs will contain a statement that a DBS certificate will be requested in the event of the individual being offered the position.
This school ensures that all those who are involved in the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences.
This school also ensures that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
At interview, or in a separate discussion, this school ensures that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.
This school makes every subject of a criminal record check submitted to DBS aware of the existence of the code of practice and makes a copy available on request.
This school undertakes to discuss any matter revealed on a DBS certificate with the individual seeking the position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We have a robust child protection and safeguarding policy. and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment at the school. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please note this post is in regulated activity and exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS criminal records and barred list check for work with children. An online search may be undertaken as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

"Growing in God’s Love – a caring, collaborative school where every child thrives."

Learn more about our Headteacher opportunity