Head Teacher

'Inspire. Lead. Transform'.  

At the Good Shepherd Trust, we are seeking an exceptional and visionary Headteacher to lead our school into its next chapter.  This is a unique opportunity for a passionate, strategic leader to drive educational excellence and ensure that every child thrives.  We are committed to delivering outstanding education and life opportunities for every child. 

Penny Bridge C Of E Academy
Penny Bridge C of E Academy is a thriving Church of England school with its heart in the local community. We are a member of the Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust and are a strong part of regional clusters. Having support networks locally and across Cumbria means we can deliver the best education standards and are constantly looking to improve our school with the most recent educational theories and practices.  We believe in high standards and deliver a skills-based curriculum which is exciting and engaging, ensuring all children enjoy learning and make good progress from their starting points.   We encourage all our staff, governors and children to adopt our vision of ' Letting your Light Shine'.  Everyone at Penny Bridge takes pride in themselves, their work and their environment.

The Local Governing Body of our primary school are looking to recruit a permanent Headteacher, with a 0.4 teaching commitment.  

Leadership Pay Range Grade  £58,569 – £68,879 

This vacancy is an opportunity for an ambitious and energetic leader who has a passion and a joy for outstanding teaching and learning. The successful candidate will continue to develop exciting and innovative approaches to teaching and learning and be an inspirational Headteacher. 

  We have a dedicated staff team, supportive parents, and motivated pupils. Our school has made strong progress in recent years as part of the Good Shepherd Trust, the Diocese of Carlisle’s Multi-Academy Trust, and we are now seeking a Headteacher who can build on this momentum, further raise standards, and inspire a culture of continuous improvement. 

 The Role  
As Headteacher, you will:  
•    Provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction.  
•    Build a strong, values-driven school culture rooted in excellence and equity.  
•    Develop high-quality teaching and learning that supports outstanding outcomes.  
•    Lead with integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to pupil welfare.  
•    Work collaboratively with staff, local governing body, and the wider trust.

 We Are Looking for a Leader Who:  
•    Can balance the responsibility of leading a school and a 0.4 teaching commitment.  
•    Is fully supportive of the Christian ethos of our school and can demonstrate an understanding of the unique character of a church school.  
•    Will place emphasis on the development of the 'whole child' and on the all-round flourishing of staff and pupils alike, leading and inspiring growth and development in their team.    
•    Can lead the further development of our school’s vision within the Good Shepherd Trust, implementing this vision to drive the school forwards.  
•    Understands the challenges of a moderate sized primary school (127 pupils)'and is prepared to be flexible with working practices.  
•    Is an effective team member with excellent communication skills.  
•    Is outward-facing and willing to work collaboratively with colleagues in other local schools and within the Good Shepherd Trust. 

 We Offer:  
•    A forward-thinking and supportive Trust with clear values and high expectations  
•    Excellent CPD and leadership development opportunities. 
•    A committed and talented team of staff and local governing body members.  
•    Enthusiastic pupils who are keen to learn and succeed.  
•    A genuine opportunity to shape the future of the school.  
 
Visits to the School are warmly encouraged. To arrange a visit or request an application pack, please call or e-mail the school on 01229 861307 or admin@pennybridge.academy

Closing date 14th October 2026
Interview dates 20th October 2026 & 21st October 2026

The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.