Headteacher

Ashton Community Science College; Preston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community science college in Preston is seeking an inspirational Headteacher to continue improving the school. The role requires strong leadership, a commitment to inclusion, and proven experience in achieving positive outcomes for students. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the school's future and ensure every student achieves their potential. Applications close at 12 noon on Wednesday 12th November, with interviews scheduled for December 9th and 10th, 2025.

Benefits

Supportive environment

Collaborative leadership team

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

• Experienced senior leader with a proven track record of school improvement.
• Absolute commitment to raising already good standards.
• Possess enthusiasm, energy, and dedication to lead to further success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school community with inspiration and creativity.
• Support continual staff development.
• Work collaboratively with an experienced leadership team.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Track record of school improvement

Commitment to raising standards

Ability to inspire and motivate

Passion for student achievement

Strong personal qualities

Job description

The governors of Ashton Community Science College are seeking to appoint an inspirational Headteacher who has the vision and passion to further improve our school and continue the school's work in making a difference to the life chances of its young people and community. The vacancy arises because our long-serving Headteacher is retiring. This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of a school with a firmly established commitment to inclusion, achievement and ambition for all. We are the only school in Lancashire to have 2 specially designated units; one for deaf children and one for children with speech, language and communication needs, in addition to our mainstream provision. Inclusion lies at the heart of all we do. We firmly believe that all our students deserve the very best opportunities that school can provide within and beyond the taught curriculum and we strive to ensure every member of the school community can and should make their contribution to ensure we remain "a school to be proud of".

Responsibilities

• is an experienced senior leader with a proven track record of school improvement, including securing positive outcomes for young people;
• has an absolute commitment to raising our already good standards even higher;
• believes that all children can achieve, fulfil and develop their potential;
• possesses the enthusiasm, energy and dedication to lead our school to further success;
• is passionate about raising achievement and has the personal qualities and skills to change young people's lives for the better;
• will lead the school and its community with inspiration and creativity into its next stage of development;
• will support continual staff development, allowing our already talented and ambitious staff to grow further both professionally and personally.

What we offer

• enthusiastic and motivated students, staff and governors;
• an experienced, collaborative and driven senior leadership team;
• a caring, inclusive and supportive environment where learning thrives and everyone matters;
• an ethos where we support every student to develop and fulfill their aspirations.

The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to work with us to build on our significant recent successes and achieve the best outcomes for our students thus enabling us to remain "a school to be proud of".

Closing date for receipt of applications: 12 noon, Wednesday 12th November. Interview dates: Tuesday 9th December 2025 and Wednesday 10th December 2025.

Ashton Community Science College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Pre‑employment checks will be carried out and references will be sought. Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates. We can only consider applications from those legally entitled to work in the UK. Please note that only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.

If you would like to visit the school prior to making an application, we have set aside specific times on Tuesday 4th November and Wednesday 5th November to facilitate this. Please contact Miss Glenda Harrison (Headteacher's PA) at [e-mail] if you would like to visit us on one of these days. Please refer to our website for additional information to support your application: https://www.ashtoncsc.lancs.sch.uk/job-vacancies.