Assistant Headteacher - Manor Abbey School

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A state-of-the-art SEMH secondary school in England is seeking a passionate Assistant Headteacher to join its Senior Leadership Team. This role involves leading the development of a tailored SEMH-focused curriculum and fostering a positive school culture. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership experience, a deep understanding of SEMH challenges, and the ability to inspire staff and students alike. This position offers excellent professional growth opportunities in a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being.

Benefits

Access to tailored CPD opportunities

Collaborative Senior Leadership Team

Mental health initiatives

Employee assistance programmes

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in educational settings focusing on SEMH.
• Understanding of SEMH challenges and effective support strategies.
• Visionary thinker with innovative initiative implementation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the school’s vision and strategic priorities.
• Oversee an SEMH-focused curriculum tailored to students' needs.
• Promote emotional well-being and staff training on effective practices.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Empathy

Strategic Planning

Inclusivity

Education

Experience in SEMH or specialist educational settings

Job description

Assistant Headteacher

Manor Abbey School

Manor Abbey School is proud to be part of Manor Hall Trust. We are seeking a passionate and innovative Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. In our state‑of‑the‑art SEMH secondary school you will have a key role in shaping the lives of young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. This is an opportunity to lead, inspire and make a tangible difference in a supportive and forward‑thinking environment.

Scope of the role will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate before recruitment to ensure their skills and experience are best aligned with the school’s needs. We are particularly interested to hear from leaders with experience in behaviour, culture and personal development.

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit Manor Abbey School before applying. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office directly on 01782 354040. Visits can be booked for w/c 24th November in the school day.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing what makes our school exceptional!

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Work closely with the Headteacher and Executive Headteacher to develop and implement the school’s vision and strategic priorities.
• Lead on key areas of school improvement, fostering a culture of resilience, inclusion and high expectations.
• Support performance reviews of the teaching team and provide evidence of outstanding practice in the classroom and other professional duties.
• Support self‑evaluation and whole‑school planning to ensure sustained progress.

Teaching and Learning

• Oversee the development of an innovative, SEMH‑focused curriculum tailored to individual needs.
• Ensure outstanding teaching practices across the school, supporting staff through professional development and coaching.
• Use data effectively to monitor progress and implement interventions to improve student outcomes.

Behaviour and Pastoral Leadership

• Lead the implementation of the school’s behaviour policies, ensuring consistent approaches to managing challenging behaviours.
• Drive initiatives to improve attendance and reduce exclusions.
• Promote emotional well‑being and provide staff training on trauma‑informed practices and behaviour management strategies.

Staff Development

• Line‑manage and mentor middle leaders or specific teams, fostering accountability and high performance.
• Identify staff training needs and deliver CPD sessions to enhance skills and expertise in SEMH education.
• Support recruitment, induction and performance management processes to build a dynamic and capable team.

Safeguarding and Student Welfare

• Develop and oversee support plans for students at risk, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
• Promote a safe, nurturing environment prioritising mental health and well‑being.

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, external agencies and the wider community.
• Champion the school’s ethos, ensuring effective communication to celebrate achievements and address challenges.

What We Expect from You

• A proven leader with experience in SEMH or specialist educational settings.
• A deep understanding of the challenges faced by SEMH students and strategies to support their development.
• A visionary thinker who can design and implement impactful initiatives.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, inspiring confidence and collaboration among staff, students and families.
• Resilience, empathy and a solution‑focused approach to overcoming obstacles.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusivity and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

What You Can Expect from Us

• Professional Growth: Access to tailored CPD opportunities, coaching and mentorship to support your career progression.
• Supportive Leadership: A collaborative Senior Leadership Team committed to your success and well‑being.
• Well‑Being Focus: A workplace that prioritises staff mental health, with initiatives to ensure a positive and inclusive working environment.
• Innovative Environment: The opportunity to work in a state‑of‑the‑art school with resources designed to meet the needs of SEMH students.
• Recognition and Respect: A culture that values your contributions and celebrates successes across the school community.
• Well‑Being Initiatives: Access to employee assistance programmes offering health and well‑being advice, including Cycle to Work and Tech Purchase schemes.

To learn more about Manor Abbey School and Manor Hall Academy Trust please visit their websites.

Manor Hall Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be appointed subject to an Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred list, and pre‑employment checks, including right to work, confirmation of appropriate qualifications and professional references.

Please also note that if you are shortlisted for the role, we may conduct an online search as part of our due diligence on the shortlisted candidates. This may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which may indicate that you are unsuitable to work with children, and that we may want to explore with you at interview.

Please follow the link to access the schools' policies on Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment, Online Searches and Data Protection.