Senior Leader AP Barnoldswick

Tradewind Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a Deputy Head for their Alternative Provision in Barnoldswick, UK. This pivotal role aims to transform educational outcomes for vulnerable young people facing SEMH barriers. The ideal candidate will possess proven leadership experience in AP settings and demonstrate expertise in restorative approaches. Offering a supportive environment and career growth opportunities, this position is perfect for a passionate leader ready to make a significant impact from January 2026.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Supportive environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven Leadership Experience within an AP, PRU, or specialist SEMH/SEN educational setting.
• Expert knowledge of therapeutic and restorative approaches when working with students with SEMH.
• Strong analytical skills for data analysis (academic, behaviour, and attendance).
• Resilient, adaptable, and highly motivated leader.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Headteacher in developing and implementing the strategic vision.
• Champion a positive, trauma-informed ethos and manage complex behaviour incidents.
• Oversee the bespoke curriculum development and quality assurance.
• Promote a secure, safe, and nurturing environment aligned with safeguarding standards.
• Lead on staff CPD, mentoring, and performance management.

Education

Relevant qualifications (QTS is desirable but not mandatory)

Job description

Are you a resilient, student-focused Senior Leader ready to make a profound, tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable young people?

We are seeking an inspirational and strategic Deputy Head to join our dedicated Alternative Provision (AP) team in Barnoldswick. This vital leadership role focuses on transforming the educational outcomes for pupils who face complex Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) barriers to learning. If you have proven leadership experience in an AP, PRU, or SEMH setting, we urge you to apply.

Core Responsibilities: Leading with Impact

You will work directly with the Headteacher to drive whole-provision improvement, ensuring operational excellence and championing high-quality teaching and learning.

• Strategic Leadership: Assist the Headteacher in developing and implementing the strategic vision for the provision, ensuring the curriculum and provision meet the diverse needs of all students (KS3/KS4).

• Pastoral and Behavioural Oversight: Champion a positive, trauma-informed ethos and take the lead on managing complex behaviour incidents. Oversee the pastoral system, ensuring high-quality intervention for student well-being and attendance.

• Curriculum & Standards: Oversee the development and quality assurance of the adapted, bespoke curriculum offer, ensuring high expectations and measurable progress for every student, regardless of their starting point.

• Safeguarding: Act as a key member of the safeguarding team (potentially Deputy DSL), promoting a secure, safe, and nurturing environment in line with all statutory guidance.

• Staff Development: Lead on staff CPD, mentoring, and performance management, modelling outstanding inclusive teaching practices for students with complex needs.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and a deep understanding of the AP sector:

• Proven Leadership Experience within an AP, PRU, or specialist SEMH/SEN educational setting.

• Expert knowledge of therapeutic and restorative approaches when working with students with SEMH and complex trauma.

• Strong analytical skills for data analysis (academic, behaviour, and attendance) to inform strategic interventions.

• A resilient, adaptable, and highly motivated leader who can challenge and develop staff while fostering a supportive culture.

• Relevant qualifications (QTS is desirable but not mandatory for an outstanding leader with significant AP experience).

Why Join Our Alternative Provision in Barnoldswick?

• Meaningful Impact: Lead a small, specialist team entirely committed to transforming the life chances of young people.

• Career Growth: Excellent opportunities for continued professional development and a clear pathway for future progression within senior leadership.

• Supportive Environment: Work in a highly collaborative setting where staff well-being and professional autonomy are valued.

Apply Today - Interviews Being Scheduled Now

If you are a passionate Senior Leader ready to elevate your career and deliver an outstanding education in Barnoldswick from January 2026, please send your CV and covering letter to (url removed) or click apply.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive sufficient applications.