Assistant Headteacher (Orchard House High School)

Old Moat; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education provider in Manchester seeks an Assistant Headteacher for a permanent position at Orchard House High School. You will join the Senior Leadership Team to shape educational outcomes in a special school dedicated to students with complex needs. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and QTS, and demonstrate strong leadership and teaching skills. The position offers a salary between £55,747 - £61,543 per annum, along with a range of benefits including professional development and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

High quality CPD for all roles

Bupa Level 1 Health Plan

Generous Pension Contribution

Flexible working options

Enhanced parental and carers leave

Qualifications

• 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 11-18 (or 11-19) phase.
• Shares a deep commitment to inclusion and equity.

Responsibilities

• Be a proactive member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Take strategic responsibility for significant aspects of school leadership.
• Support and challenge colleagues to deliver high-quality teaching.
• Lead, manage and develop staff through effective line management.

Skills

Leadership

Classroom instruction

Collaboration

Communication

Resilience

Education

Relevant degree

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

About The Role

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: Full Time

Number of Positions: 1

Qualifications Required: Relevant degree and QTS

Start Date: 20th April 2026

Salary: £55,747 - £61,543 per annum

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 11–19 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

About the Candidate

• 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 11–18 (or 11–19) 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 SEN is highly desirable

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

• 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
• Cycle scheme – 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
• bYond cashback card – spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance – enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension – you’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave – take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your newborn or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks – access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow – we are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member – we are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognise three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave – give back to the community with three days pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Application

To apply for this job role, please click the following link: https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/prosperecareers/Job/JobDetail?Jobid=522

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We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, younger learners and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. The above post will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here.

This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre‑employment checks where applicable.

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.