Associate Assistant Headteacher (Integrated Resource Leader)

‘Do you have a proven track record of championing inclusive education and empowering students with SEN to thrive?’ 

Carleton High School are seeking an exceptional and passionate leader to take on the exciting role of Leader of the Integrated Resource (Associate Assistant Headteacher). This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead our brand-new Integrated Resource – a purpose-built, inclusive provision designed to meet the needs of students with communication and interaction challenges, including those with autism. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be working at the heart of a forward-thinking and highly ambitious school community, you will play a pivotal role in developing outstanding practice, fostering belonging, and ensuring every student can thrive both academically and personally. 

About the Role  

Working under the strategic direction of the SENDCo, you will lead the development and delivery of high-quality, inclusive provision for students with EHCPs. You will ensure they are fully supported, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. 

This role offers the chance to shape a nurturing and aspirational learning environment, influence whole-school SEND strategy, and collaborate with a wide range of professionals to deliver outstanding outcomes for students. 

The Successful Candidate Will: 

• Be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to whole-school decision-making and strategic planning. 
• Lead the strategic development of the resource unit in line with the school’s inclusive vision and Trust SEND strategy. 
• Oversee the daily operations of the provision, ensuring effective teaching, interventions, and personalised learning plans. 
• Model outstanding inclusive teaching and support colleagues in adapting strategies for learners with SEND. 
• Line manage staff within the provision and contribute to safeguarding as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL). 
• Build strong partnerships with families, external agencies, and mainstream staff to ensure coordinated support and smooth transitions. 

Carleton High School 

Carleton High School is a warm and welcoming school, where there is a strong community and family feel. We are an exceptionally high achieving school, with academic outcomes for progress consistently being significantly over national. For the last 5 years we have consistently gained strong results, becoming one of the top schools in Wakefield.   In our recent Ofsted inspection in November 2024, we were recognised as ‘Good Improving’ which acknowledges the extraordinary improvements that Carleton High School has made. 

Within the DNA of the school is the core focus on improving life chances for our students. Our students live by the values of respect, responsibility, determination, and excellence, which enable them to become the best versions of themselves. Carleton High School is proud to have a multi-million-pound new building with state-of-the-art technology and facilities. This is a truly exciting time to be part of Carleton High School as we continue our journey towards becoming an exceptional school.  

About Pontefract Academies Trust  

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primary and two secondary schools. Our mission is to run high-quality, high-achieving schools that give our children and young people the chances in life they deserve. 

We are proud of the exceptional progress our schools are making. At Key Stage 2, our primary outcomes are 24% above the national average, with five of our seven primaries ranked in the top 5% nationally for combined outcomes. In the last 12 months alone, three of our primary schools – Carleton Park, Larks Hill, and Halfpenny Lane – were rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. Our secondary schools also continue to deliver strong outcomes. Key Stage 4 results in English, Maths and Science are consistently well above the national average, and both schools received successful Ofsted visits in 2022 and 2024. 

We take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team. In our 2025 Staff Survey with Edurio, we received outstanding feedback, earning three awards based on national data from the 2024/25 academic year: 

• National: Trust Value Award – Excellence 
• Regional: Staff Choice Award (Larks Hill Junior & Infant School) 
• Regional: Trust Benefit School Award (De Lacy Primary School) 

These awards reflect the culture we’ve built – one where staff feel valued, listened to, and part of something meaningful. 

Looking ahead, we’ve recently announced an exciting development, a proposed merger with Ark Schools, planned for September 2026. This step reflects our ambition to grow, never settle, and to do what’s right for our pupils, staff, and community. This change will bring even stronger support, greater collaboration, and more opportunities. We’re excited for what’s ahead and we hope that you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.   

What we offer  

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:  

• For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days.  These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.   
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing. 
• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities 
• Generous employer pension (Teachers pension) 
• Laptop 
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance 
• Cycle to work scheme, Blue Light card, discounted gym membership   
• Free eyecare via Specsavers, childcare vouchers  
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)  
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2 
• Free flu vaccinations. 

Important Links  

Pontefract Academies Trust Website  

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028 

Carleton High School 

Key Dates 

• Application Deadline: 10:00am, Friday 7th November 2025 
• Interviews to be held: W/C 10th November 2025 
• Start date: Monday 5th January 2026 

Application Process  

• Complete application form via our website 

Contact Us 

• Tel: 01977 781555 
• Email: recruitment@carletonhigh.patrust.org.uk 

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.  

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.  

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.