Headteacher

Dovetail and Slate; Manchester; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Dovetail and Slate in Manchester is seeking an experienced Headteacher to lead a specialist education setting for young people with SEMH and SEND needs.

The role requires QTS and PGCE/PGDE, 5 years of leadership, and a track record in school improvement. You will drive standards, manage safeguarding, and work with SEND teams and parents to secure Ofsted readiness.

This is an excellent step for a senior leader looking to move into their first Headteacher position.

Qualifications

• QTS and PGCE/PGDE required.
• Minimum 5 years’ leadership in a primary/secondary setting.
• Experience leading teams and staff performance.
• Experience in school improvement initiatives.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership across the school.
• Oversee day-to-day operational management.
• Drive teaching standards, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding.
• Lead School Improvement Plan and QA framework.
• Collaborate with SEND, pastoral and education leaders.
• Prepare for Ofsted and maintain readiness.
• Engage with parents, carers and external agencies.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Skills

Leadership experience

Data-driven improvement

Safeguarding knowledge

Staff performance management

Team leadership

Education

QTS and PGCE/PGDE

Job description

Headteacher - Specialist Education

Location: Manchester Salary: 51,773 - 60,145 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4:00pm Contract: Term Time

Are you an experienced Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or senior school leader ready to take the next step in your career?

We are recruiting for a Headteacher to lead a specialist education setting supporting young people with SEMH and SEND needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established senior or middle leader looking to step into their first Headteacher role.

The Role

• Provide strong, visible and proactive leadership across the school.
• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the setting.
• Drive high standards in teaching, learning, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding.
• Lead the School Improvement Plan and quality assurance framework.
• Work closely with SEND, pastoral and education leaders.
• Lead inspection preparation and maintain an Ofsted-ready environment.
• Work closely with parents, carers and external agencies.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).

About You

We're looking for an experienced school leader with:

• QTS and PGCE/PGDE.
• Minimum 5 years' leadership experience within a primary or secondary school.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing staff performance.
• Experience contributing to or leading school improvement.
• Strong experience using data to drive improvement.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience.

Desirable

• SEMH/SEND experience.
• Specialist or alternative provision experience.
• Ofsted inspection experience.
• Experience within a therapeutic or multi-disciplinary environment.
• NPQH or currently working towards it.

DISCLAIMER

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

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