Senior Leader | AP | Barnoldswick

Tradewind Recruitment; Salterforth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An education recruitment agency is seeking an inspirational Deputy Head to lead an Alternative Provision team in Barnoldswick. This role is pivotal in transforming educational outcomes for vulnerable students. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership experience in AP or SEMH settings and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for students. Join us for a meaningful career with opportunities for professional development and progression starting from January 2026.

Benefits

Meaningful Impact

Career Growth

Supportive Environment

Qualifications

• Proven Leadership Experience within an AP, PRU, or specialist SEMH/SEN educational setting.
• Expert knowledge of therapeutic and restorative approaches.
• Strong analytical skills for data analysis to inform interventions.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Headteacher to drive improvement and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement the strategic vision for the provision.
• Manage complex behaviour incidents and oversee the pastoral system.

Skills

Leadership Experience

Analytical Skills

Therapeutic Approaches

Resilience

Education

Relevant qualifications (QTS desirable)

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

• Work directly with the Headteacher to drive whole-provision improvement, ensuring operational excellence and championing high-quality teaching and learning.
• 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).
• Champion a positive, trauma‑informed ethos and lead on managing complex behaviour incidents. Oversee the pastoral system, ensuring high-quality intervention for student well‑being and attendance.
• 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.
• 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.
• Lead on staff CPD, mentoring, and performance management, modelling outstanding inclusive teaching practices for students with complex needs.

What We Are Looking For

• 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.

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 our application email or click apply. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive sufficient applications.