Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher - Manor Abbey School Manor Abbey School is proud to be part of the Manor Hall Trust. We are seeking a passionate and innovative Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. In our state‑of‑the‑art SEMH secondary school, you’ll have a key role in shaping the lives of young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs. This is an opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a tangible difference in a supportive and forward‑thinking environment. Please note that the scope of the role will be discussed and agreed upon with the successful candidate before recruitment, to ensure their skills and experience are best aligned with the school’s needs. We are particularly interested to hear leaders with experience in behaviour, culture and personal development. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit Manor Abbey School before applying. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office directly on 01782 354040. Visits can be booked for w/c 24th November in the school day. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Work closely with the Headteacher and Executive Headteacher to develop and implement the school’s vision and strategic priorities. Lead on key areas of school improvement, fostering a culture of resilience, inclusion and high expectations. Support performance reviews of the teaching team and demonstrate outstanding practice in the classroom and other professional duties. Support self‑evaluation and whole‑school planning to ensure sustained progress. Teaching and Learning Oversee the development of an innovative, SEMH‑focused curriculum tailored to individual needs. Ensure outstanding teaching practices across the school, supporting staff through professional development and coaching. Use data effectively to monitor progress and implement interventions to improve student outcomes. Behaviour and Pastoral Leadership Lead the implementation of the school’s behaviour policies, ensuring consistent approaches to managing challenging behaviours. Drive initiatives to improve attendance and reduce exclusions. Promote emotional well‑being and provide staff training on trauma‑informed practices and behaviour management strategies. Staff Development Line‑manage and mentor middle leaders or specific teams, fostering accountability and high performance. Identify staff training needs and deliver CPD sessions to enhance skills and expertise in SEMH education. Support recruitment, induction and performance management processes to build a dynamic and capable team. Safeguarding and Student Welfare Develop and oversee support plans for students at risk, ensuring their needs are met effectively. Promote a safe, nurturing environment prioritising mental health and well‑being. Community Engagement Build strong relationships with parents, carers, external agencies and the wider community. Champion the school’s ethos, ensuring effective communication to celebrate achievements and address challenges. What We Expect From You A proven leader with experience in SEMH or specialist educational settings. A deep understanding of the challenges faced by SEMH students and strategies to support their development. A visionary thinker who can design and implement impactful initiatives, with exceptional interpersonal skills, inspiring confidence and collaboration among staff, students and families. Resilience, empathy and a solution‑focused approach to overcoming obstacles, with a commitment to safeguarding, inclusivity and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. What You Can Expect From Us Professional Growth – tailored CPD, coaching and mentorship for career progression. Supportive Leadership – a collaborative Senior Leadership Team dedicated to your success and well‑being. Well‑Being Focus – initiatives that prioritise staff mental health and a positive inclusive working environment. Innovative Environment – state‑of‑the‑art facilities designed for SEMH learners. Recognition and Respect – a culture that values contributions and celebrates successes. Well‑Being Initiatives – employee assistance programmes, Cycle to Work, Tech Purchase schemes. Manor Hall Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be appointed subject to an Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List, and pre‑employment checks, including right to work, confirmation of qualifications and professional references. If you are shortlisted for the role, we may conduct an online search as part of our due diligence to identify any publicly available incidents or issues that may indicate unsuitability to work with children and may be discussed at interview. Please access the school’s policies on Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment, Online Searches and Data Protection via the links provided on our website. #J-18808-Ljbffr