Headteacher | Co-op Academy Waterhead

Headteacher

Waterhead Academy (Co‑op Academy Strinesdale from September 2026)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £84,699 – £118,169 (L27–33)

Start date: September 2026

Reports to: Regional Director

Location: 529 Huddersfield Road, Lees, Oldham, OL4 3NY

Co‑op Academies Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional Headteacher for Co‑op Academy Strinesdale. On 1 September 2026, Waterhead Academy will join our Trust and become Co‑op Academy Strinesdale. We want to build on the strong foundations already established and ensure that the school is ambitious for its students and everyone works hard to ensure they have the best pupil experience and they leave the Academy equipped to lead happy and successful lives.

Co‑op Academies Trust operates across four hubs and includes primary, secondary and special schools, plus a sixth form college. Sponsored by the Co‑op Group, it is guided by co‑operative values and the “Ways of Being”:
Succeed together. Do what matters most. Be yourself, always. Show you care.

• Provide strategic leadership in line with co‑operative values and principles
• Drive high standards of academic achievement and personal development
• Lead school improvement, using data to secure strong progress for all pupils
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across the academy
• Build a positive, ambitious culture for pupils, staff and the community
• Develop and support staff through clear accountability and professional development
• Ensure strong safeguarding, compliance and effective resource management
• Work collaboratively across the Trust and with the Academy Governing Body

We want a Headteacher who will meet this challenge and thrive with the responsibility. With the support of an Executive Headteacher, a Regional Director and a highly skilled team of subject and area Directors, we’re seeking a leader with the ability to drive forward improvements in academic outcomes and the broader pupil experiences, drawing on the principles and values of cooperation.

You’ll have a positive approach to working in diverse settings where communities face significant challenges; you must have a genuine desire to make a difference and ensure that the community’s trust is well placed in the academy. The successful applicant will be able to rapidly identify and take decisive actions to ensure the progress of every child is valued and accelerated.

The role is perfect for a dynamic and ambitious senior leader, as it will offer an amazing opportunity to challenge yourself in every way and to make a genuine and meaningful difference.

If you have what it takes to motivate and provide the inspirational leadership our staff and students deserve, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date:
Monday 16 March 2026, 4 pm

Interviews:
Friday 20 March 2026

For more information and to apply, please visit

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Jenna Everett on 07593 583 047 or email

Co‑op Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. All colleagues are expected to demonstrate a commitment to co‑operative values and the Co‑op Ways of Being.