Job Description:

Assistant Head of School

Specialist Independent School | South Manchester
Permanent | Term Time
January 2027, or earlier by agreement

About the School

LTE Search are working with a large and well-established independent specialist school in South Manchester, supporting young people aged 11–16 with a range of additional needs, including SEND, autism and behavioural needs.

The school provides a structured, supportive and nurturing environment for young people who may have experienced significant barriers to education. There is a strong focus on positive relationships, personalised support and re-engaging pupils with learning, helping them to develop confidence, resilience and the skills they need for their next steps.

The school is part of a growing education organisation with a number of specialist settings across Greater Manchester and plays an important role within the wider group. As the organisation continues to develop, there is a clear focus on strengthening leadership, developing staff and ensuring consistently high standards across its schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced education professional to join the school's leadership team and play an important role in its continued development.

The Role

Working closely with the Head of School, the Assistant Head of School will support the day-to-day leadership and management of the school, helping to ensure high standards across teaching, learning, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding.

This is a broad leadership role and would suit someone who enjoys being visible within a school, working closely with staff and pupils and contributing to both strategic improvement and the smooth running of the provision.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the implementation of the School Improvement Plan and wider strategic priorities
• Monitoring and developing the quality of teaching and learning
• Carrying out learning walks, observations and providing constructive feedback
• Supporting teachers to identify and respond effectively to individual pupil needs
• Helping to oversee behaviour and attendance systems
• Leading or supporting pastoral interventions and pupil engagement strategies
• Supporting the effective deployment and organisation of staff
• Contributing to staff induction, coaching, development and CPD
• Building positive relationships with parents and carers
• Working with external agencies and previous settings to support pupils
• Supporting safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Contributing to leadership meetings and wider school improvement
• Acting as a point of contact in the absence of the Head of School

The successful candidate may also take on Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) responsibilities where appropriately trained and appointed.

About You

We are looking for an experienced education professional who is ready to take on a broader leadership role and who understands the importance of combining high expectations with a supportive and relational approach.

You will ideally have:

• Experience teaching or supporting learning within a school setting
• Experience working with pupils with SEND and/or behavioural needs
• Experience contributing to school or departmental improvement
• Experience supporting, mentoring or leading colleagues
• A strong understanding of teaching, learning and assessment
• Effective behaviour-management skills
• An understanding of restorative approaches
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good organisational and problem-solving skills
• The ability to analyse information and use it to support improvement
• Resilience, emotional intelligence and a calm approach
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil welfare

QTS or equivalent, existing leadership experience and experience within specialist education, alternative provision or a PRU would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a large specialist school within a growing education organisation and take on a genuine leadership role with responsibility across a wide range of school improvement and operational areas.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of School and wider leadership team, contributing across teaching and learning, behaviour, attendance, pastoral care, safeguarding and staff development.

The role would suit an experienced teacher or current middle leader who is ready to take the next step in their career and wants to work in a setting where they can have a visible and meaningful impact on young people's lives.

With the wider organisation continuing to grow, there is also scope for longer-term professional development and progression for the right individual.

If you are an experienced education professional looking for a role where you can develop your leadership experience and make a genuine difference, we would be interested in hearing from you.

To find out more, please apply now or contact LTE Search for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.

Please Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK and be able to provide appropriate evidence of their eligibility to work.

The appointment will be subject to the appropriate recruitment and safeguarding checks.