Job Description

Are you passionate about education and eager to make a lasting impact on young minds? Do you have a proven track record of inspiring a love for learning in your students? If so, we want to hear from you!

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding, enthusiastic, and committed Early Years Teacher to join the team at Halfpenny Lane junior, Infant and Nursery School. The successful candidate will demonstrate high quality teaching to ensure pupils can make accelerated progress, securing outcomes through pupils through outstanding provision. You will use effective resources and uphold the highest standards of learning and achievement for all pupils.

This is a 1 FTE fixed term contract with an end date of 31/08/2026.

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic person who:

has a passion for helping pupils thrive and meet their full potential has a friendly manner and can communicate effectively with staff and students can work effectively as part of a team but can also work independently using their own initiative has experience of working in a similar specialist area.

About Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School

Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School is renowned for exceptional academic achievements, both locally and nationally.

Recognised as one of the leading primary schools in the Wakefield district (2024) Ranked among the top 5% of primary schools nationwide for pupil progress Featured in the Times Top 500 Primary Schools in England (2024), proudly securing the 105th place, putting us in the top 1% nationally Rated outstanding in all five inspected judgement areas by Ofsted (November 2024)
Pontefract Academies Trust has been recognised with the Trust Value Award - Excellence in the 2025 Edurio Awards - placing us among the top 10 performing trusts nationally, based on staff feedback.

In the 2025 staff survey with Edurio, Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School received fantastic results in the survey, with 88% of staff saying they would recommend the school as a good place to work.

98% of staff also shared that they would recommend Halfpenny Lane to parents as a good place for their children to study.

What can we offer you?

Be part of a team that values your growth, wellbeing and work-life balance. We offer a supportive environment with benefits designed to help you thrive:

Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing. 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. Energise and Engage Weeks throughout the year, where no meetings take place. These dedicated weeks prioritise personal professional development, support work-life balance, and allow for an early finish on designated days 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.
You can find further information about staff benefits, development opportunities and why you should work with us in the attached 'Working for us' booklet and by visiting our website.

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 take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team. By joining Pontefract Academies Trust, you will be part of one of the top 10 performing trusts nationally based on staff feedback (Eduiro 2025 staff survey). 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.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today and join a workplace that invests in you, your career, your wellbeing and your future.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: 10:00am, Monday 5 January 2026

Interviews to be held: To be confirmed

Start date: To be confirmed

Application Process

Complete an application form via our website

Important Links

Pontefract Academies Trust website

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028

Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School Website.

Contact Information

Tel: 01977 703270

Email: recruitment@halfpenny.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.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months

Pay: 32,916.00-51,048.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Store discount
Work Location: In person