Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning)
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Withington Girls' School
Manchester
- Expiring soon
- Salary:
- Withington Pay Scale
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- Dependent on notice period
- Apply by:
- 18 May 2026
Job overview
Withington Girls’ School is one of the UK’s leading independent day schools for girls aged 7 to 19, known for outstanding academic results alongside a strong commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and joy in learning. Proudly all girls, the School offers an ambitious and supportive environment in which pupils are known as individuals and encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and independence. Withington has a national reputation for academic excellence and a warm, values driven culture.
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning) to join the Senior Leadership Team at an exciting stage in the School’s development. This is a senior role with responsibility for shaping the strategic direction of the school, promoting its ethos and values, and sustaining its reputation for academic excellence and innovation in teaching and learning. The postholder will work closely with the Deputy Head Academic and colleagues across the school to lead the continued development of teaching and learning, professional growth, and evidence-informed practice. They will teach and cover lessons as appropriate, following a timetable commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
Please see the job pack for full details.
The role is a permanent, full-time position. The school is aware that notice periods will determine start dates and can be flexible in this regard. If you would like to apply for this post you will need to complete the application form and submit along with a covering letter to:
Email: recruitment@wgs.org
Please note that only applications using the School’s application form will be considered.
Closing Date: 8am, Monday 18th May 2026
Interview Date: Monday 8th June 2026
Withington Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media accounts, as part of their application.
Withington Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer. It is our policy to employ the best qualified personnel and we are committed to providing equal opportunity in recruitment and employment to all individuals who meet our criteria for the role advertised. We will consider candidates without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and identity, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. This list is not exhaustive, and candidates will also be considered without discrimination based on socioeconomic, marital, parental or caregiving status, or any of the previously listed characteristics or statuses.
We value the diversity of our staff and do not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination, or victimisation. We achieve this by creating and maintaining a work environment and culture where people from different backgrounds, and with varying lifestyles, interests, opinions, and responsibilities, treat each other with dignity and respect. Our working environment is such that our staff feel safe and are inspired and motivated to be their best.
Our school is dedicated to sustaining and promoting diversity with respect to recruitment, promotion, training, and general treatment during employment. We are actively seeking to extend the diversity of our staff.
Attached documents
About Withington Girls' School
- Withington Girls' School
- Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester
- Lancashire
- M14 6BL
- United Kingdom
Withington Girls’ School combines academic excellence with a strong sense of purpose and genuine care for each individual. The school is committed to developing confident, independent young women who not only achieve their full academic potential but are ready to meet the challenges that face them in the world outside.
The school’s A Level and GCSE results are outstanding, with Withington ranked consistently in national league tables as the top independent school in the North West of England. These exceptional achievements are complemented by an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities, where pupils are encouraged to try new experiences and stretch themselves.
Withington offers pupils a continuous and supportive journey from Junior School through to the Sixth Form. At every stage, the school combines academic challenge with dedicated pastoral care and opportunities to develop confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of community.
Our History
Withington was founded in 1890 by a small group of eminent and far-sighted Manchester families who wanted the same educational opportunities to be available for their daughters as were already available to their sons.
Learning here is guided by the founding principle that the pleasure of learning brings its own reward, sustaining and enriching individuals throughout their lives. And, the school has remained relatively small, ensuring that tailored and dedicated support can be given to each pupil.
A Focus on Excellent Teaching and Pastoral Care
Pupils enjoy a broad and rich curriculum that encourages confidence, curiosity and independence. Trips, visitors and other experiences further learning and opportunities for debate and discussion enhance understanding. At Withington, technology is used confidently and purposefully, always in service of learning. Its use does vary, depending on the subject and the different lessons within that subject.
Junior School pupils benefit from dedicated class teachers and specialist teaching in IT, Music and Languages. In the Senior School, pupils take 9/10 subjects at GCSE, followed by 3 or 4 A Levels. Sixth Form students also have the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), as well as a full and varied enrichment programme. Extension sessions are offered in across subjects, allowing for deeper investigation.
Staff get to know each pupil well personally and academically, and work together to achieve the best outcomes. The excellent quality of teaching and pastoral care is a major factor in the exceptional level of achievement secured by pupils, both within and outside the classroom. Staff are eager to share their passion and enthusiasm for their subjects and give willingly of their time to assist individual pupils outside lesson times; the relationship between pupils and staff is a particular strength of the school.
A Breadth of Activities
An extraordinary array of clubs and societies means there is something for everyone at Withington, from coding to garage band, photography to sign language and much more in between. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is popular with pupils in Year 9+ and there is an enormous choice of activity to enjoy in music, sport and drama.
The school has a long track record of well-established and mutually beneficial partnerships within the local community and globally, including an annual concert for primary school children at Manchester Cathedral and a 20-year relationship with social development projects in The Gambia.
Preparation for life after school starts early and involves a programme of careers advice, work experience and UCAS application guidance. Older girls work with younger girls in numerous ways, through the House system, extra-curricular activities, peer support and mentoring.
A Welcoming Community
Respect (for oneself and for others), personal responsibility and inclusion underpin school life.
Pupils come from a wide geographical area around Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and from many different economic, social, cultural and religious backgrounds, creating a diversity in which the school rejoices. The school is committed to providing support (called a bursary) to those families in most financial need - around 100 pupils receive financial assistance.
The most recent inspection report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) recognised the commitment to cultural understanding and respect as "a significant strength of the school", highlighting the opportunities we provide for discussion and reflection across all faiths.
The school retains strong links with alumnae, as well as former and current parents and staff who support various initiatives including the careers programme, work experience and the Bursary Fund.
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