Headteacher

Acresfield Academy · CH2, North West

Closing date: 4 January 2027 at 9am61 days left
Salary: Competitive
Role: Headteacher
Posted: 4 November 2026

Acres Lane, Upton By Chester

Chester

Cheshire

CH2 1LJ

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Job description

About the role With our current Headteacher moving to a new role, this is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious, creative and compassionate leader to make their mark on an already successful school. We are looking for someone who will celebrate everything that makes Acresfield special while bringing fresh ideas, energy and a clear vision for the future. Our next Headteacher will be passionate about providing an exceptional education, committed to developing others and determined to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from both experienced Headteachers and talented senior leaders ready to take their first step into headship. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of Acresfield, supported by a committed staff team, an engaged school community and the expertise and resources of North West Academies Trust. Who are we looking for? We are looking for a leader who: Has a genuine passion for children, education and high-quality teaching and learning. Leads with integrity, kindness, confidence and ambition. Can inspire, motivate and develop staff, creating a culture where everyone feels valued. Understands the importance of a broad, engaging and inclusive curriculum. Has the vision and determination to build on existing success and drive continuous improvement. Values positive relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and the wider community. Is reflective, forward-thinking and open to new ideas and opportunities. Shares our commitment to ensuring every child achieves their full potential. Above all, we want someone who will put children at the heart of every decision and lead Acresfield with enthusiasm, warmth and a clear sense of purpose. Job Description Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and School Improvement Provide inspirational and effective leadership, establishing a clear vision and a culture of high expectations, inclusion and ambition. Build on the school's strengths, working collaboratively with the Trust, Local Governing Body and staff to identify priorities and secure sustained school improvement. Foster a positive school culture in which pupils and staff feel valued, supported and motivated to achieve their best. Quality of Education Ensure the delivery of a high-quality, inclusive and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils. Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning and pupil outcomes, using evidence and data to inform improvement. Promote high standards of achievement, positive behaviour and enriching experiences that support pupils' academic and personal development. People and Professional Development Lead, inspire and develop staff, promoting a collaborative culture of professional learning, accountability and continuous improvement. Ensure effective staff management, including appropriate delegation, performance management, professional development and induction. Safeguarding and School Management Provide effective leadership of safeguarding, promoting a culture in which the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all pupils are paramount. Ensure the effective management of school resources, finances, premises and operations, maintaining a safe learning environment and securing value for money. Partnerships and Accountability Build and maintain strong relationships with pupils, families, governors, the Trust and the wider community. Communicate effectively with stakeholders, ensuring parents and carers are informed and involved in their children's education. Provide accurate and timely information on school performance, priorities and progress to the Trust, Local Governing Body and relevant external bodies. Contribute to the wider work of North West Academies Trust, sharing expertise and collaborating with colleagues across its schools. The Headteacher will also undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and in accordance with the responsibilities and expectations set out in the Headteachers' Standards. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Evidence of ongoing professional development. Desirable National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or equivalent relevant leadership development. Skills & Knowledge Essential A strong understanding of high-quality, inclusive teaching and learning, with the ability to lead and sustain improvement. The ability to think strategically, communicate a clear vision and inspire others. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data and evidence to evaluate performance and inform school improvement. Effective financial and resource management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. A thorough understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of maintaining a strong safeguarding culture. The ability to lead, motivate and develop staff, fostering teamwork, professional growth and accountability. Experience Essential Successful senior leadership and management experience within a school. A strong track record of successful classroom teaching. Experience of contributing to school self-evaluation, development planning and improvement. Experience of managing, supporting and developing staff. Evidence of successfully leading improvement, change or development initiatives. Experience of building effective relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors and external partners. Desirable Experience of leading whole-school self-evaluation and strategic improvement planning. Experience of managing significant budgets, resources or school-wide projects. Experience of working collaboratively across schools or within a multi-academy trust. Personal Qualities We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate: Integrity, warmth and a genuine commitment to children's wellbeing and success. Ambition, resilience and sound professional judgement. Creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to embrace new ideas. A collaborative and supportive approach to leadership. A commitment to inclusion, equality and opportunity for every child. The confidence to make decisions, reflect on practice and lead with clarity and purpose.

School at a glance

Acresfield Academy

Type: Academy converter
Phase: Primary
Age range: 3 to 11
Local authority: Cheshire West and Chester
Region: North West
Religious character: Does not apply
Website: www.acresfield.cheshire.sch.uk⁠ (opens in a new tab)

The school's record on Get Information About Schools⁠ (opens in a new tab)

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Published school data

Showing 6 of 38 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Published school data: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition b82db944-44bb-421e-ad2c-11aa1c5ccbd1 · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file	2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition 4a6546b8-8677-4193-9f09-6af01ab6072c · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file	2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2024/25 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2023/24 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition 79b26d03-8e91-4acf-9a3a-ab13e78aea0a · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact

Local area context

Showing 6 of 23 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Local area context: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2031/32 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000050 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2030/31 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000050 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000050 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000050 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000050 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000050 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.

Showing 15 of 28 published figures, up to three per group. Open each source for the full published data.

Pupils

School places (SCAP): 2102024/25
Source and value: School places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 210. Display values may be rounded.
Published school capacity survey places, including sixth form and excluding nursery places; not the current GIAS capacity.
DfE: School capacity — school
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
Pupils on roll (SCAP): 2172024/25
Source and value: Pupils on roll (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 217. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: School capacity — school
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
Unfilled places (SCAP): 02024/25
Source and value: Unfilled places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 0. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: School capacity — school
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year

Attendance and behaviour

Overall absence: 5.0%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Overall absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 5.03009%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
Persistent absence: 10.9%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Persistent absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 10.9375%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
Permanent exclusions: 02024/25
Source and value: Permanent exclusions, 2024/25, Academic year, 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Published value: 0. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England
Source dated 9 July 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Academic year

Staff

Teachers (headcount): 122025/26
Source and value: Teachers (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 12. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Teachers (FTE): 10.02025/26
Source and value: Teachers (FTE), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 9.98. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Leadership (headcount): 22025/26
Source and value: Leadership (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 2. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year

Results

KS2: expected standard in reading, writing and maths: 75.0%2024/25
Source and value: KS2: expected standard in reading, writing and maths, 2024/25, Academic year · Final, 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Published value: 75%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 2 performance tables
Source dated 21 May 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Academic year · Final
KS2: published eligible pupil number: 322024/25
Source and value: KS2: published eligible pupil number, 2024/25, Academic year · Final, 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Published value: 32. Display values may be rounded.
Published eligible pupil number (telig) from DfE's Key stage 2 institution level - Schools (School information), for the same release, year and period as the results; not the whole-school roll.
DfE: Key stage 2 performance tables
Source dated 21 May 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Academic year · Final
KS2: higher standard in reading, writing and maths: 22.0%2024/25
Source and value: KS2: higher standard in reading, writing and maths, 2024/25, Academic year · Final, 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Published value: 22%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 2 performance tables
Source dated 21 May 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Academic year · Final

Money

Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium: £31,0002026/27
Source and value: Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Published value: 31000. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level deprivation FSM6 allocation only; excludes looked-after and previously looked-after children, alternative-provision census allocations and service pupil premium. This is not total pupil premium.
DfE: Published school deprivation FSM6 pupil premium
Source dated 23 September 2026.
Published file
Current conditions of grant
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Financial year
Devolved formula capital: £6,7862026/27
Source and value: Devolved formula capital, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Published value: 6785.5. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations
Source dated 14 May 2026.
Published file
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Financial year
Income per pupil: £6,9072025
Source and value: Income per pupil, 2025, Reporting year ending, response-sha256:208945dd95153de1b778f452c341873af7836463eae4f02b968d21cf996e0c4e
Published value: 6907.2. Display values may be rounded.
DfE Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool: CFR/AAR income per pupil
Published file
Publication version: response-sha256:208945dd95153de1b778f452c341873af7836463eae4f02b968d21cf996e0c4e
Reporting year ending

Official school links

Acresfield Community Primary School · Predecessor · 2019-10-01GIAS · 4 November 2026

These are separate school records. Their figures are not combined.

Part of NORTH WEST ACADEMIES TRUST LIMITED (Multi-academy trust)

Latest Ofsted inspection

Graded inspection (previous framework)
Inspected 2 July 2024, published 8 September 2024 · S5 Inspection · number 10348371
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding is effective
Yes
Early years
Outstanding
Ofsted's inspection reports for this school⁠ (opens in a new tab)

Sources

Get Information About Schools (Department for Education) (opens in a new tab) · 4 November 2026
Ofsted monthly management information: state-funded schools, latest inspections (opens in a new tab) · 30 September 2026
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations (opens in a new tab) · 2026/27 · Financial year · 14 May 2026
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · 15 October 2026
DfE: School capacity — school (opens in a new tab) · 2024/25 · Academic year · 20 March 2026
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 4 June 2026
DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England (opens in a new tab) · 2024/25 · Academic year · 9 July 2026
DfE: Pupil to teacher ratios (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 17 August 2026

7 further sources are not listed here; displayed figures retain their own source links.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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Vacancies are from the DfE Teaching Vacancies service (opens in a new tab), as the school published them. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.