Head of School MSPRU

Required for September 2021 

Salary: L24 – L28 

Full Time Permanent Contract

The City of Manchester Learning Partnership Governing Body, in partnership with Manchester City Council, is seeking to appoint an exceptional and inspirational leader who can bring their own vision, creativity and expertise to the Partnership. Based in Chorlton with travel to sites across Manchester 

The Partnership has recently been established as a Federation between Bridgelea Primary School and Manchester Secondary Pupil Referral Unit (MSPRU). 

MSPRU currently provides placements for pupils permanently excluded from their school who are Manchester residents. It also manages the commissioning of and allocation of alternative provision for the High Schools of Manchester. In addition, it has functions for the assessment of learning needs and safeguarding. MSPRU operates across multiple sites and was rated by OfSTED as Good in January 2017. Bridgelea is a primary school for pupils with SEMH and those who are permanently excluded from their school and is currently rated by OfSTED as Good. Bridgelea is split across two sites in Manchester.

The recent establishment of the Federation is an exciting opportunity to develop a continuous and holistic education system to support young people with complex needs by: 

• Leading a creative and high quality curriculum;

• Promoting inclusion for some of Manchester’s most vulnerable young people;

• Developing a nurturing and safe environment for all pupils across a number of settings

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Head of School for Manchester Secondary PRU, to work in partnership with the Executive Headteacher, to deliver on the new 2025 vision that has recently been shared. 

We are currently in the early phases of re-modelling the secondary provision which includes:

• Re-framing the comprehensive city-wide alternative provision framework and quality assurance mechanism

● Reviewing the PRU’s “Core Offer” 

● Reviewing and implementing a financially sustainable organisational structure 

● Reviewing systems and processes to ensure that the provision provides value for money whilst maintaining high standards and expectations for pupils

The successful candidate will be joining the City of Manchester Learning Partnership at a really pivotal time in its development. Our vision for Manchester Secondary PRU is ambitious and will place curriculum design and development at the core of our offer and we are seeking a school leader whose ambition is comparable to ours.

The successful candidate will have a key role to play in further developing the service in close collaboration with the Executive Headteacher, local Headteachers and agencies to improve the life chances of children and young people most at risk of poor outcomes. We would strongly welcome applications from an existing Head of School or a Deputy Headteacher headteacher of a successful PRU/AP/mainstream or special school who is seeking new challenges.

The Governing Body is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before the appointment is confirmed. The City of Manchester Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure.

We are currently unable to offer visits to the sites due to Covid restrictions. 

If you would like an informal chat about the post please contact Carol Iddon, Executive Headetacher’s PA, who will gladly share further details.

Please return completed application forms by email to Carol Iddon, Executive Headteacher’s PA on: c.iddon@mspru.manchester.sch.uk

Closing date: 9.00am 19th May 2021

Shortlisting: 20th May

Interviews: 24th & 25th May 2021 (TBC)

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email. Further details of the assessment process and arrangements will be provided to those shortlisted.