Sussex Learning Trust (SLT) and Northlands Wood Primary Academy (NWPA) are delighted that you are considering applying for the role of Headteacher at our academy. This post will become available in September 2026.

At Sussex Learning Trust, children are at the heart of every decision we make. Through collaboration, care, and high expectations, we empower our schools to deliver outstanding education and nurture confident, kind, resilient learners who are ready to shape their world. To learn more about the Trust, take a look at our website.

This microsite has been designed to provide you with key information, including links to relevant documents and websites, which we hope will support your consideration of this exciting opportunity.

Location and Site

NWPA is located on the southeastern side of Haywards Heath, a town which is served by the London to Brighton trainline and with views out towards the South Downs. The school opened in 1974 to serve the growing population of the leafy commuter town, especially the Northlands Wood Estate, and has expanded over the years to a reach a capacity of 420 pupils, aged between 4 and 11 years.

Our School and The Role

Northlands Wood Primary Academy is a vibrant and forward-thinking school where every child is valued, nurtured, and inspired to achieve their best. Our school values underpin all aspects of life here, helping our pupils develop into confident, resilient, and compassionate learners. 

Our ethos, 'Together we learn and grow', underpins the importance of our school community where everyone is working and learning together - children, parents/carers, staff and governors - to ensure our children fulfil their potential.

Happiness sits at the heart of everything we do. Our children thrive because they feel safe, supported, and motivated by dedicated staff who go above and beyond to make learning meaningful and fun. We take great pride in being a happy school- one where both children and staff flourish together. 

We are looking for a new Headteacher to join our dedicated team of staff, who will be fully committed to the ideals and philosophy of our overall vision.  We are looking for someone with recent successful leadership experience, a proven track record of leading school improvement, demonstrable impact in raising achievement and the ability to successfully manage the NWPA team to make our school even better.

The Headteacher will work closely with the CEO and DCEO of Sussex Learning Trust, the Governors, other Headteachers in the Trust, and the Senior Leadership Team, to provide vision, leadership and direction for the academy and ensure that the school is managed and organised to meet the aims and values which have been established by all stakeholders.

In return we will offer you:

• A caring, inclusive school where everyone feels safe, encouraged, and included.

• A passionate, hard-working team who are dedicated to getting the best out of all our children.

• A high-quality exciting learning environment.

• Strong partnerships with parents and carers.

• A wide support network across the Trust.

Please take your time to explore this recruitment site and all the information it contains using the menu sidebar on the left.