Headteacher – Oldham

EdStart Schools; Oldham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in special education is seeking a dynamic Headteacher to lead schools in Oldham/Rochdale. This role emphasizes strong leadership and high-quality education for students with special educational needs (SEN) and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. You will work closely with a dedicated team to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment, ensuring that all students can thrive. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to making a significant impact on young people's lives and enjoy continuous professional growth in a supportive atmosphere. If you're passionate about education and leadership, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Professional Development

Nurturing Environment

Inclusive Culture

Impactful Leadership Role

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in secondary or special education settings.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development for SEN and SEMH students.

Responsibilities

• Lead schools in developing a shared vision and strategic plan.
• Oversee school management, performance, and staff development.

Skills

Leadership and Management

Data Analysis

Curriculum Development

Communication Skills

Inclusive Education

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree

National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)

Tools

School Performance Management Procedures

Budget Management

Job description

Location: EdStart Specialist Education –Oldham / Rochdale OL9 6TR
Reports to: Executive Headteachers
Salary: from £60,000 per annum

Interviews week commencing 5th May 2025

Our Values

At EdStart, we place Progression at the core of everything we do, alongside our fundamental values of Humanity, Togetherness, and Compassion. These values are not only embodied by our team but are at the heart of how we work with our students, supporting them in overcoming barriers to learning and enabling their growth.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and encourage applications from all backgrounds. We consider all qualified candidates for employment regardless of sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.

EdStart Specialist Education is a leading provider of SEN (Special Educational Needs) and Alternative Education. With nine schools across Greater Manchester and the Wirral, we cater to young people with a variety of social, emotional, and physical barriers to learning, including SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) difficulties, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and childhood trauma.

Our Mission

Our mission is to elevate and inspire every child and young person with whom we engage. By embodying our core values, we work together to enhance the progression, welfare, and wellbeing of all members of the EdStart community – from students to staff and stakeholders alike. Our challenging, tailored curriculum is delivered in a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment that adapts to the individual learning differences of our students, not their difficulties.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Headteacher to lead our schools in Oldham/Rochdale. The Headteacher will be responsible for providing strong leadership, ensuring high-quality education for students with SEN and SEMH needs. You will oversee the school, supported by our Senior Leadership Team and Executive Headteacher, working closely with staff, students, families, and external partners to drive outstanding outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

1. Lead the schools in developing and embedding a shared vision that reflects our core values, ensuring it is understood and embraced by staff, parents, and the wider community.
2. Develop, review, and implement the strategic plan for the schools, aligning with the company’s overarching goals.
3. Monitor and evaluate the progress of school improvement plans, using data to challenge and drive sustained progress.
4. Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with key stakeholders, including parents, external agencies, and local authorities.

School Management

1. Line-manage senior leaders, providing mentorship, support, and challenge to ensure the best outcomes for students.
2. Manage performance through the effective use of the school’s performance management procedures, ensuring accountability for staff.
3. Oversee the budget and resource allocation for the schools, ensuring financial efficiency and strategic use of resources.
4. Foster staff development through targeted professional development and performance management, building a strong, capable team.
5. Ensure the schools operate within all regulatory frameworks, meeting statutory duties and safeguarding requirements.

Teaching & Learning

1. Lead the development of a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum that meets statutory requirements and is tailored to the needs of students with SEN and SEMH.
2. Establish a culture of high-quality teaching, based on evidence-based practices, ensuring that all students—regardless of their learning needs—have access to an excellent education.
3. Promote a culture of collaboration across the schools, encouraging the sharing of best practices and continuous professional growth.
4. Implement robust systems for assessment and feedback to track students’ progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring timely interventions.
5. Ensure a culture of safeguarding excellence, where both staff and pupils feel safe and supported.
6. Promote mental health and wellbeing across the schools, ensuring that staff are equipped to support the emotional and social needs of students.
7. Lead on safeguarding procedures, ensuring that all staff adhere to safeguarding policies and practice safe, responsible, and supportive approaches to care and learning.

Person Specification

Qualifications

1. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Degree.
2. National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is desirable.

Experience

1. Proven experience in leadership and management within a secondary school or special school, particularly with students with SEN and SEMH.
2. Strong understanding of independent school standards, and experience in school self-evaluation and development planning.
3. Successful experience in staff development and line management, with a track record of fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
4. A background in teaching and a passion for working with students who face significant barriers to learning.

Skills & Knowledge

1. Strong data analysis skills and the ability to use data to identify gaps in learning and set targets.
2. Deep understanding of curriculum development, particularly for SEN and SEMH students.
3. Experience with school finances and the ability to manage budgets efficiently.
4. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, students, and parents.
5. A deep commitment to inclusive education and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or additional needs, can achieve their full potential.

Personal Qualities

1. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
2. Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple priorities effectively.
3. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style.
4. A clear and compassionate vision for education, ensuring the best outcomes for students and a supportive environment for staff.

Why Join EdStart?

1. Make an Impact: Lead the development of two new schools and help shape the educational futures of young people facing significant challenges.
2. Nurturing Environment: Work with a team of highly dedicated professionals in one of the UK’s fastest-growing SEN and Alternative Provision providers.
3. Professional Growth: Benefit from continuous professional development and support to develop your leadership skills in a unique and rewarding role.
4. Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse, inclusive organisation where your leadership will make a lasting difference.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

EdStart Specialist Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This role is subject to a fully enhanced DBS check.

We will carry out an online search as part of our due diligence process for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.

How to apply?

Please complete the application form below:

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