Lead together
Opportunity for a Principal at Castle Hill School
Innovating, Communicating & Empowering.
We are seeking an experienced or an aspiring, outward looking, inspirational Principal who has the skills, abilities and passion to lead a specialist school. Castle Hill School is an outstanding school with incredible dedicated professionals. We are looking for a leader who can foster a safe and inclusive culture for all staff and students and demonstrate complete commitment to the progress of all students.
This is a phenomenal leadership opportunity in which you can make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families through the provision of inclusive and caring educational support in a modern and impressive specialist facility. You will join an exceptional school-based team who work hard and are committed to ensuring students thrive.
A WORD FROM OUR CEO DAVID LORD
Your first step
Book an introductory call with us
Before diving into applications, the first step is to have a quick conversation with our CEO and Castle Hill’s Chair of Governors. It's the best way to get a real feel for the role and what we're all about - plus it's a chance for you to ask any questions you might have. Just hit the button below to book a time that works for you.
ABOUT Castle hill school
130 STUDENTS AGED 3-19
Castle Hill is a special school in Huddersfield meeting the needs of over 130 students age 3 to 19 with a range of additional needs including severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties. In November 2024 it retained its outstanding Ofsted grade. Communication is fundamental to our learning strategy and underpins participation in all aspects of school life. Other key skills are supported by a cross curricular approach enabling our students to engage, interact and ultimately understand their world.
The school also uses a range of specialist learning strategies supported by other professionals towards outstanding outcomes. Child centred planning and careful assessment ensure the curriculum is engaging and personalised to support the best possible progress for all. The school is purpose built and provides a bespoke learning environment which continually adapts, changes, and develops to meet the evolving needs of our students.
LEARN MORE
ABOUT TOGETHER LEARNING TRUST
Together Learning Trust is a thriving, high performing trust that is highly regarded within the region and beyond, sitting securely in the top 10% most improved Trusts nationally. We are proud to lead a group of nine schools, presently three secondary, five primary and one special school inspiring over 5700 young people and 800 staff in Calderdale and Kirklees.
Our schools are wonderful places to work. We value and support our teams across all our schools, and recognise the ideas, experience and expertise of our staff. Our schools work closely together to identify and implement the best strategies for teaching and learning, recruitment and talent management.
“I believe that the support that schools can provide each other cannot be underestimated. Being part of the Together Learning Trust enables our schools to continue to flourish and develop within a supportive school focused community, where the expertise of those who have a hands on understanding of our children will lead the way forward.”
Location
CASTLE HILL SCHOOL
Newsome Road South
Newsome
Huddersfield
HD4 6JL
Approximate driving times:
Huddersfield town centre: 10 mins
M62 Motorway: 15 mins
Halifax: 30 mins
Bradford: 40 mins
Leeds: 40 mins
Sheffield: 1 hour
Castle Hill School is set in a fantastic location in Huddersfield, with open green spaces and countryside close by, as well as easy access to the cultural and social opportunities of Huddersfield, Halifax and Leeds. It’s a great place to live and work, offering a strong sense of community and plenty of opportunity for pupils, staff and families.
ABOUT the role
Principal
Salary: Leadership Scale: L25 – L31
This is a phenomenal leadership opportunity in which you can make a real difference to the lives of children and young people through the provision of inclusive and caring educational support in a modern and impressive specialist facility.
If you have a clear vision and ambition, with a track record of success we would love to have a conversation with you.
What the role involves in a nutshell:
Champion exceptional outcomes and life chances for children and young people with complex needs
Create a safe, joyful and highly personalised environment where every learner can thrive
Lead with warmth, visibility and strong values, building trust with staff, families and the wider community
Inspire, develop and retain great staff, supporting wellbeing and professional growth
Ensure ambitious, high-quality provision that supports communication, independence and preparation for adulthood
Work closely with Together Learning Trust to strengthen SEND practice across the Trust
Help shape Castle Hill’s future as a recognised centre of excellence in specialist provision
timeline
CLOSING DATE: MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2026 9AM
INTERVIEWS: W/C 23 february 2024
START DATE: 1 SEPTEMBER 2026
KEY DOCUMENTS
If you are an experienced or aspiring leader in the special education sector, then we would love to speak with you.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email recruitment@tlt.school.