Assistant Headteacher - Manor Abbey School

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive educational institution is seeking an Assistant Headteacher to shape the future of SEMH education. The successful candidate will lead curriculum development and foster a positive environment for students facing social and emotional challenges. This role requires proven leadership and a commitment to inclusivity and staff development. The position offers professional growth, supportive leadership, and a focus on well-being, making it an exceptional opportunity for passionate educators.

Benefits

Access to tailored CPD opportunities

Collaborative Senior Leadership Team

Well-being initiatives and support programs

Qualifications

• A proven leader with experience in SEMH or specialist educational settings.
• Deep understanding of the challenges faced by SEMH students.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, inspiring confidence and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the school's vision and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the development of an innovative SEMH curriculum.
• Lead initiatives to improve attendance and reduce exclusions.

Skills

Leadership in SEMH education

Behaviour management strategies

Curriculum development

Interpersonal skills

Education

Experience in 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'll 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.

Please note that the scope of the role will be discussed and agreed upon 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. This is an essential opportunity to experience our ethos, culture, and meet our dedicated team. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office directly. 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

• 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.
• Applicants will be required to support performance reviews of the teaching team and will need 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

At Manor Abbey School, we are dedicated to supporting and developing our staff as much as our students. Joining our team means:

• 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 follow the link to the 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 school's policies on Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment, Online Searches and Data Protection.

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the adverts should we receive a sufficient level of interest!