Assistant Headteacher

The Holden School; Plank Lane; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent specialist school in the UK is seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher. The successful candidate will lead in delivering personalised learning pathways for pupils with special educational needs, champion safeguarding, and support staff development. With a salary of up to £50,000 and a permanent contract, this role offers an opportunity to shape the school's vision and drive continuous improvement. Benefits include a pension scheme, mental health support services, and flexibility in working hours.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Qualifications

• UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent is required.
• Must possess a degree-level education or equivalent.
• Proven leadership experience in educational settings.
• Experience working within an SEN environment is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership to a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with leadership to shape vision, aims, and objectives.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil voice.
• Lead development of individualised learning programmes for SEN pupils.
• Support staff development and wellbeing.
• Drive school improvement and long-term success.

Skills

Leadership experience

Experience in SEN environment

Collaboration skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree‑level education

Job description

Job Overview

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four?

We are looking for an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join The Holden School, part of Acorn Education, located in Leigh, WN7 4SB.

Key Details

• Salary: Up to £50,000.00 per annum (Not pro rata)
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
• Contract: Permanent, Term Time
• Start Date: January 2026
• UK applicants only – no sponsorship

About the Role

A dynamic and rewarding leadership position for an Assistant Headteacher in an SEN school. Working in close partnership with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the school in delivering personalised learning pathways that allow every pupil to succeed, uphold high standards of quality, compliance and safeguarding, and drive continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide inspirational leadership to a dedicated multidisciplinary team
• Work collaboratively with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to shape school vision, aims and objectives
• Champion a culture of outstanding safeguarding, inclusion and pupil voice
• Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, quality and compliance
• Lead the development of creative, individualised programmes of learning for pupils with SEN
• Support staff development, performance and wellbeing
• Play a key role in driving school improvement and long‑term success

Essential Requirements

• UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Degree‑level education or equivalent
• Proven leadership experience
• Experience working within an SEN environment

About Us

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs across Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. We are a Therapeutic‑Led, Trauma‑Informed school providing individualised curricula supported by Class Teams, a Pastoral Team and our own Therapists. We pride ourselves on steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing their aspirations and building confidence in both academic and social realms.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) – choose a package that suits you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Work 80 % of contractual hours for 100 % of pay, providing more time for personal activities. 4‑Day Working Week is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.