Headteacher

Moorlands School is a very happy, small school with a great big heart. It is an independent prep school for children aged 2-11 offering a nurturing environment that emphasises both academic excellence and personal development. Pupils leave Moorlands as confident, independent and articulate individuals, ready to face new challenges. With the planned retirement of the current Headteacher, the Governors are seeking to appoint a new Headteacher who is an inspiring leader with a strong commitment to excellence and who shares their passion for creating a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious environment where both pupils and staff can thrive.

Moorlands is the oldest prep school in Leeds, founded in 1898, and relocated to its current site in North Leeds in 1967. In 2022, Moorlands became a full member of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) bringing with it the benefits of membership of a network of independent schools. The campus boasts extensive facilities, including spacious grounds that provide ample opportunities for outdoor learning and play, a large recently-refurbished sports hall and a heated indoor swimming pool. The new Headteacher will also benefit from leading a highly qualified, skilled and committed staff body who are motivated to continue the school’s progress. There is a real appetite to push forward for even greater success. The new Headteacher must be an inspirational and progressive leader who will harness that energy.

Moorlands School has a simple yet beautiful motto: ‘Intrepide!’ with supporting concepts of being Inclusive, Independent, Industrious, Inquisitive and an Individual. Intrepid takes many forms and isn’t always a grand gesture; sometimes it just means ‘having a go’; attempting that difficult question; offering an answer in a lesson when you’re not quite sure; or simply trying something new. The school offers a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment in which this culture of intrepidness can flourish, allowing Moorlands children to be brave and adventurous as they learn and grow. The new Headteacher must embody these values through their leadership of the school.

Alongside the many strengths of the school are real opportunities for the next Headteacher to make their mark by developing a clear and coherent direction for the school. In addition to having a creative educational vision, founded on their own broad teaching experiences, they will also show the ability to deliver modern marketing strategies, commercial awareness and financial understanding, which are all essential qualities for the leader of an independent school in a competitive marketplace. This exciting opportunity will suit candidates with strong interpersonal skills, resilience, energy and creativity, who can demonstrate successful strategic experience in senior leadership at Head or Deputy Head level.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Moorlands School and to lead the next exciting phase in its development. You must have a passion for continuous improvement, embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance teaching and learning. This will be driven by a clear vision for the future of the school, and the ability to implement strategic initiatives that deliver tangible results. Importantly, you must be values led and motivated to make a real difference to the lives of the pupils and their families.

For further information please visit www.hays.co.uk/vacancies/moorlands-school

For a confidential discussion about the role, to arrange a visit or to make an application, please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments.

T: 07736 791138 E: martin.blair@hays.com 

Please do not use online “APPLY” options.

Closing Date: 9am, Monday 28th April 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 13^th and Wednesday 14^th May

Moorlands School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people. We have a robust Child Protection Policy and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout their employment. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children.