Head of School

Hawthorns School in Audenshaw, Manchester is an innovative, ambitious outstanding primary special school. There are 85 children on roll with a wide range of complex and multiple learning difficulties; over 50% of have an ASC diagnosis. Other needs include communication and interaction difficulties, cognition and learning, physical and sensory as well social and emotional needs. The school recently joined New Bridge Multi Academy Trust. The Executive Principal is moving into a trust wide role and the current Headteacher is retiring so Governors are seeking to appoint a new Head of School who shares their single-minded ambition to constantly progress and modernise everything the school does so that it continually improves outcomes for the children.

New Bridge Multi Academy Trust is a group of five schools, and other 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 school 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.

Hawthorns School has an outstanding reputation locally and beyond. It is a vibrant, reflective learning community where the richness of the curriculum offers the children active, creative and personalised learning opportunities which aim to nurture independence. There is a relentless focus on improvement and a committed and talented team of staff who embrace change and continually challenge their own practice by looking for innovative ways to enable the children to achieve their aspirations. The new Head of School will build on this and bring fresh challenge and ideas that will secure further improvement.

The school is a nationally designated Teaching School and National Support School. The Head of School will need to further develop and promote the work of the Teaching School and demonstrate a strong knowledge of the wider educational system as well as contributing to the school led system. This includes continuing work around Initial Teacher Training, Continuing Professional Leadership and Development and School to School Support.

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. You will receive excellent support and advice from a talented team of colleagues, the CEO and an NLE who is a director within the Trust.

Candidates must have experience of working with primary aged children with SEND and be able to demonstrate significant participation and quantifiable impact within a senior leadership team. You must be committed to high quality teaching and learning and should have the creativity and vision to inspire and lead change but also the focus to ensure successful outcomes are reached. You will share the schools ‘can-do’ spirit and model it in your daily practice and leadership to inspire and engage children, parents/carers, staff and the local community. You must also be a compassionate and strong leader who can hold staff to account whilst being accountable yourself. You must be confident and positive and have the skills to build effective teams and also to be a team player. Above all, you will share the passion and belief that children, their learning and developing their potential are at the heart of all decisions.

To find out more about this exceptional opportunity please visit www.hays.co.uk/jobs/hawthorns-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: 9am, 19th March
Interviews: 26th and 27th March

Hawthorns 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

Hawthorns School, Lumb Lane, Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5SF