Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion (Safeguarding & Pastoral)

Location: Woodhey High School, Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom, BL0 9QZ 

Woodhey High School are seeking to appoint a passionate, versatile and inspirational individual with exceptional leadership qualities to take responsibility for whole school pastoral care which includes behaviour, attendance, personal development and safeguarding. The post has become available following the retirement of the current post-holder. 

The successful candidate will play an important role in the future development of the school and the post offers an excellent opportunity for a talented teacher and leader to gain wide-ranging experience as a member of our Senior Leadership Team. We are seeking a versatile professional who is flexible in outlook, has a positive work ethic and has the potential and ambition for further promotion in the future.  

The main aspects of the role involve the strategic leadership of our pastoral system and being the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as well as leading on personal development. We have a pastoral team consisting of 5 teaching Heads of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Team Leader who leads a team of 5 further support staff. We are seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate with drive and determination. The successful candidate will work alongside our existing Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion (SEND and Vulnerable Groups). All senior leaders carry out daily operational activities and have a teaching commitment commensurate with the scale of the role. Other aspects of the role relating to inclusion will depend on the strengths of the two post holders.  

Woodhey is a high achieving and inclusive 11-16 community comprehensive school. We are committed to providing a secure and caring learning environment for all our pupils and we ask our pupils to achieve, care and enjoy. Our aim is to develop highly-educated, well-rounded, considerate and confident young people who are willing and able to contribute to society. There are currently 1127 pupils on the school roll.  

Ramsbottom has become more of a residential area than an industrial town and has a strong sense of community. The town does have some thriving small industries, is a popular shopping centre for the surrounding area and has superb access to the nearby motorway network.  

Woodhey is a school within the Shaw Education Trust. The Trust is led by an Executive Leadership Team steeped in school leadership and improvement experience: www.shaweducation.org.uk. They are committed to the continued professional development of all members of staff and the sustained successful performance of all its academies. Career opportunities within the Trust are significant. All leaders are supported to excel. There is a bespoke leadership pathway programme, which enables the next stage of professional growth within the group.  

We are looking for effective inter-personal and communication skills, evidence of successful leadership and a desire to work through a team approach. Equally important will be a set of values which matches our own and a constructive attitude to externally imposed change.  

We shall be delighted to consider your application if you decide to apply and wish you the best of luck if you choose to do so. Applicants are asked to complete an application form and  write a letter of application to the Headteacher of no more than 2 sides of A4, (minimum text size 11 Arial), outlining your experience relevant to the post and stating why you feel you would be suitable for the post. 

Woodhey High School is dedicated to the safeguarding and wellbeing of students; all staff must share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo appropriate screening including Enhanced DBS check.  

For an informal discussion and further information about the post, please call (01706 825215) or email (Sutton.j@woodhey.bury.sch.uk) the Headteacher’s PA, Jill Sutton, who will arrange for the Headteacher, Brian Roadnight, to contact you. Three dates have been organised for potential candidates to visit the school:

• Monday 18th January 2021 – 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
• Wednesday 20th January 2021 – 9.00 am to 11.00 am
• Friday 22nd January 2021 – 10.00 pm to 12.00 pm

Please contact Jill Sutton (see above) to book in if you intend to visit the school. This is not part of the recruitment process, and you may not wish to do so under the current lockdown, but we acknowledge that you may prefer to visit the school before applying. 

Further details and application forms can be found under About Us/Job Vacancies the school website: http://www.woodhey.bury.sch.uk or the Shaw Education Trust Website: http://www.shaw-education.org.uk/careers  

Should you wish to apply, please return your completed application to Sutton.j@woodhey.bury.sch.uk

Closing Date: 12 noon, 27th January 2021

Shortlisting: 29th January 2021

Interview: 2nd and 3rd February 2021