Head of School

New Bridge School in Oldham is a progressive, innovative and ambitious outstanding generic special school.  There are over 500 children and young people aged 11-19 on roll with a wide range of SEND, from moderate learning difficulties to profound and multiple learning difficulties, including severe and complex learning difficulties. The school also caters for pupils with physical disabilities, multi- sensory impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments and specific conditions including autism spectrum condition. There are three sites, one for 11-16 and two for 16-19, and the Trust is now seeking to appoint a new Head of School for the 11-16 site (370 NOR). This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior leader who shares the school and trust’s commitment to constantly progress and modernise everything it does so that they continually improve outcomes for the children and young people.

New Bridge School has an outstanding reputation locally and beyond. Its acclaimed destination led curriculum model, unique 48-week provision and wide ranging extra-curricular opportunities means it is now significantly over subscribed. The new Head of School will build on this and bring fresh challenge and ideas. Key to the success of the school has been a passionate and innovative team of staff who embrace change and continually challenge their own practice by looking for creative ways to enable the young people to achieve their aspirations and play a meaningful part in their local communities. The new Head of School must share this ‘can-do’ spirit and model it in their daily practice and leadership.

 As Head of School you will lead all aspects of the provision, working alongside the Executive Headteacher and the two Heads of College to ensure there is continuity through the curriculum, so that it continually adapts and evolves, and is destination led to meet the needs of the young people. Alongside this will be the need to develop new ways of working with mainstream colleagues and supporting wider system improvement.

The school is part of New Bridge Multi Academy Trust, a group of schools, colleges and related organisations which provide education for children and young people up to the age of 25 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.  While each setting operates discreetly, they have a shared passion to improve the life opportunities available to the young people once they leave school. They work very closely together to achieve this and ensure that together they best meet the needs of individual students. A culture of mutual support and teamwork permeates the organisation. 

This is an exciting time for the school as it continues to develop and enhance all aspects of its provision. If you share this determination and ambition, it offers an outstanding opportunity to develop in a forward thinking and outward looking organisation. Your continued development will also be a priority and you will receive excellent support and advice from a talented team of colleagues who will invest in your professional learning.

 Candidates should be able to demonstrate recent, successful, and sustained impact as a senior leader along with experience of working with children and young people with SEND. You will have a positive attitude which will inspire, enthuse and motivate students, staff and the wider school community. You must be confident, approachable and have the skills to work collaboratively, build effective teams and also to be a present and visible leader who leads by example. Above all, you will share the school’s vision of ‘Creating Meaningful Futures’ for its students and ensuring they are safe and happy.

 To find out more about this exceptional opportunity please visit www.hays.co.uk/jobs/new-bridge-school

or contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership for a confidential discussion, to arrange a visit to the school or to discuss making an application.

Please do not use online “Apply” options.

Martin Blair

T: 07736791138

E: martin.blair@hays.com

Closing date: 8am, Monday 17th May

Interviews: 25th and 26th May

New Bridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS