Deputy Headteacher - (Thornycroft SEN School - Oldham)

Horizon Care and Education; Oldham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Thornycroft School, part of Horizon Care and Education, seeks a Deputy Headteacher to lead curriculum, pastoral provision and daily operations in an independent SEMH setting for Oldham and Greater Manchester.

You will work as a trusted senior leader alongside the Headteacher to design an inclusive, aspirational curriculum, oversee behaviour and safeguarding, and drive high-quality teaching through coaching and professional development. A values-led, therapeutic culture is central.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with QTS or QTLS and experience of senior leadership (SLT) in an SEN/SEMH context.
• Skilled at curriculum design and translating EHCP outcomes into personalised learning pathways.
• Committed to an inclusive curriculum enabling pupils to flourish and prepare for adulthood.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum design to create a bespoke curriculum meeting each pupil's needs and pathway to accreditation.
• Oversee teaching and learning to ensure high-quality classrooms through coaching and professional development.
• Drive policies to support standards, pupil wellbeing and EHCP outcomes.
• Oversee behaviour, inclusion and safeguarding, maintaining a calm, restorative culture.
• Be a visible leader embodying school values and high expectations across staff and pupils.
• Contribute to strategic planning for phased growth and staffing alignments.

Skills

QTS/QTLS

Senior leadership

SEN/SEMH experience

Job description

Job Introduction

Deputy Headteacher - Thornycroft School

Join us to make a real difference for pupils with SEMH. This is a rare leadership opportunity in a caring, ambitious independent special school where your strategic vision and hands-on leadership will shape high-quality, local specialist provision across Oldham and Greater Manchester.

About Thornycroft School

Thornycroft School is an independent specialist day school for pupils aged 5-19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Part of the Horizon Care & Education Group, we are opening with a carefully managed, phased growth model so that staffing, therapeutic support and curriculum pathways develop sustainably alongside pupil needs. Our aim is to provide locally available, high-quality placements that reduce out-of-area provision and support lasting, positive outcomes for young people.

Our vision: a nurturing school community where we inspire and learn together. We are committed to developing well-rounded, confident and responsible individuals through a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment. Our core values are Compassionate, Inspiring, Dependable and Collaborative.

Please submit a covering letter with CV when applying

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate Deputy Headteacher who will be a trusted senior leader and key partner to the Headteacher in shaping Thornycroft\'s curriculum, pastoral offer and day-to-day running. This is a hands-on leadership post where you will:

• Lead curriculum design to create a bespoke curriculum that ensures every pupil\'s needs are met and that builds a clear, sequenced pathway from engagement to accreditation and preparation for adulthood.
• Build an inclusive curriculum that enables pupils to flourish, gain confidence and develop the skills needed for their next steps.
• Lead teaching and learning across the school to secure quality first teaching through coaching, mentoring and professional development for staff.
• Drive implementation of high-quality policies and practice that support educational standards, pupil wellbeing and personalised EHCP outcomes.
• Oversee behaviour, inclusion and safeguarding practice, maintaining a calm, restorative and therapeutic culture across the school.
• Be a visible leader who lives and models the school values at all times, demonstrating compassion, high expectations and consistency for staff and pupils.
• Contribute to strategic planning for phased growth, ensuring staffing, therapeutic capacity and provision match commissioning needs.
• Work with families, local authorities and Horizon Central colleagues to ensure excellent communication, transparency and partnership working.

This role offers the opportunity to influence provision from an early stage and to shape a school culture rooted in therapeutic practice, ambition and inclusion.

About you - the ideal candidate

We are looking for a deputy leader who combines professional expertise with a warm and decisive leadership style. You will be:

• A qualified teacher with QTS or QTLS and experience of senior leadership (SLT) in an SEN/SEMH context.
• Confident in curriculum design and assessment, skilled at translating EHCP outcomes into personalised learning pathways.
• Committed to building an inclusive curriculum that enables pupils to flourish and prepares them for positive next steps.
• Experienced in leading teaching and learning through coaching and mentoring to secure consistent, high-quality classroom practice.
• Skilled in behaviour leadership, restorative practice and multi-agency working, with up-to-date safeguarding knowledge.
• A visible role model who embodies and promotes our core values-compassionate, inspiring, dependable and collaborative-across staff, pupils and families.
• Committed to staff development, coaching and building a strong, inclusive team culture.
• Ambitious for pupils\' outcomes and experienced in planning for successful transitions and preparation for adulthood.

We welcome applications from leaders who bring evidence-based practice, creativity and a collaborative spirit. We encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

What we offer

• A meaningful leadership role within a specialist school focused on high-impact provision and local placements.
• Support from Horizon\'s Central Team including Director of Education and Director of SEND.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the Horizon group.
• Access to Horizon employee benefits via OneHorizon (including wellbeing resources, discount programmes and staff support schemes).
• A supportive, values-led working environment where pupil welfare and staff wellbeing are priorities.

Practical details

• Salary: £65,277 - £72,032
• Contract: Senior leadership role within an independent special school (Thornycroft School)
• Closing date: 15 October 2026
• Application requirements: CV and Covering Letter

Thornycroft School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide evidence of qualifications and identity.

We welcome applicants who will contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Come and help us build a nurturing, inspiring place where young people with SEMH can thrive.

Closing date for this role will be 16th October