Headteacher

Headteacher – Specialist SEND School

Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-time | Permanent

Lead a School Where Every Child Can Thrive

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced Headteacher to lead a specialist school in Dunkinfield, supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism (ASD), communication differences and additional learning needs.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate leader to shape a positive, nurturing school culture where pupils feel safe, valued and empowered to achieve their potential. Working closely with trust senior leaders, you'll drive school improvement, champion high-quality teaching and learning, and ensure outstanding outcomes for every learner.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all areas of the school.
• Lead school improvement, ensuring high standards in teaching, learning, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding.
• Develop an inclusive, therapeutic culture where pupils and staff can thrive.
• Monitor teaching quality, pupil progress and school performance using data to drive improvement.
• Lead and develop staff through coaching, performance management and professional development.
• Ensure the school remains fully compliant with statutory requirements and inspection frameworks.
• Oversee safeguarding practice as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Build strong relationships with families, local authorities and external agencies to support positive pupil outcomes.
• Contribute to the wider strategic development of the organisation.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a recognised teaching qualification.
• Significant leadership experience within a primary, secondary or specialist school.
• Experience working with pupils with SEND and/or SEMH needs.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, school improvement and quality assurance.
• Proven ability to improve outcomes through effective leadership and data-informed decision-making.
• Excellent communication, organisational and people management skills.
• A commitment to inclusive education and achieving the best outcomes for vulnerable learners.

Desirable

• NPQH (or working towards).
• Experience within a specialist SEND or alternative provision.
• Knowledge of therapeutic, trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
• Experience leading schools through Ofsted inspections and school improvement programmes.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• A supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.
• Ongoing leadership development and CPD.
• Opportunities to shape and influence a growing specialist education provision.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant pre-employment checks.