Assistant Headteacher

Prospere Learning Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational trust in Manchester is looking for an Assistant Headteacher to join Orchard House High School. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new special school focused on inclusivity for students aged 11-19 with significant learning difficulties. The ideal candidate will have QTS, proven leadership, and a commitment to student success. Competitive salary between £55,747 and £61,543 per annum, along with extensive professional development and benefits.

Benefits

High quality CPD for all roles

Bupa Level 1 Health Plan

Generous Pension Contribution

Good holidays

Cyclescheme

Employee Assistance Programmes

Credit Union access

Flexible working options

Mental Health First Aid support

Blue Light Card discounts

Qualifications

• Strong track record of impact in the classroom.
• Demonstrates resilience and flexibility in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in improving outcomes for students with SEND is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Be a proactive member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Take strategic responsibility for school improvement.
• Support and challenge colleagues for high-quality teaching.

Skills

Excellent classroom practitioner

Proven leadership and management experience

Ability to inspire and motivate staff

Effective communication skills

Experience with special educational needs (SEND)

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree or equivalent

Job description

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Headteacher to join our fantastic team at Orchard House High School.

Orchard House High School opened in September 2025 and offers a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape a brand-new special school from its earliest years. As the school grows year on year, we are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in building an ambitious, inclusive and nurturing school community.

Orchard House High School is a purpose-built SEND provision for pupils aged 1119 with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). We are committed to providing outstanding education, care and preparation for adulthood for some of the most vulnerable young people in our community.

This is a permanent post on leadership terms payscale L4-8 £55,747-£61,543 per annum.

About the role:

As Assistant Headteacher, you will:

• Be a proactive member of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Headteacher to secure the highest possible outcomes for students
• Take strategic responsibility for significant aspects of school leadership, contributing directly to school improvement, culture and ethos
• Support and challenge colleagues to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, rooted in evidence-informed practice
• Play a key role in developing a positive, inclusive and aspirational school culture, where students feel safe, valued and motivated to learn
• Lead, manage and develop staff through effective line management, coaching and professional development
• Work collaboratively with parents, carers, governors and external professionals to support students’ complex SEND needs
• Contribute to organisational effectiveness, including systems, processes, data analysis and resource management

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for a leader who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree (or equivalent)
• Is an excellent classroom practitioner with a strong track record of impact
• Has proven leadership and management experience within the 1118 (or 1119) phase
• Shares our high expectations for pupils with SEND and a deep commitment to inclusion and equity
• Has the ability to inspire, motivate and support staff, leading with strong moral purpose
• Demonstrates resilience, flexibility and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, developing school environment
• Communicates effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including families and external agencies
• Experience of working in special schools or improving outcomes for students with SEND is highly desirable.

How to apply

Please follow the online application process to be considered, interviews will take place late Jan/early Feb.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
• Good holidays teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service
• Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
• Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
• Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
• Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible
• Mental Health First Aid in every school
• Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
• Beyond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Visit our website to learn more about our Trust: prospere.org.uk

About Orchard House and Prospere Learning Trust

Orchard House is a brand new school which will be dedicated to providing exceptional education and support for students with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) from the age of 11-19 years.

Opening in September 2025, our school is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

We aim to empower our students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their educational journey and beyond.

View our prospectus here.

Prospere Learning Trust is a high performing, inclusive and innovative Trust comprising of 9 schools, including 4 mainstream high schools and 5 special needs schools (both primary and secondary) with further schools anticipated across Greater Manchester.

We currently employ over 1000 staff and we believe that our staff play a vital role in achieving our vision of an exceptional education for all. We believe that great schools thrive because of the great people in them.

Core values

• Inclusion - we recognise people need different levels of support to achieve equitable outcomes.
• Comprehensive education - we welcome all people from our local community.
• Excellence - high standards institutionally, academically and in personal development.
• Expertise - great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in all our staff to achieve their potential.
• Collaboration - we believe we are stronger together.
• Reflection - we are underpinned by thoughtful use of relevant evidence and research.

At Prospere Learning Trust, we pride ourselves in being a great place to learn, work, and grow. We have a resolute focus on developing the quality of education in all of our schools.

To support our staff, we come together as collaborative learning community, with a strong culture of professional development and mutual support.

Job Application Information

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self‑disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application support

Contact us on 0161 527 7953 or email [e-mail]