Assistant Headteacher -Designated Safeguarding Lead, Attendance & Inclusion

Stretford Grammar School, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M32 8JB

14 days remaining to apply

Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
26 March 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
11 March 2026

Job details

Job role: Assistant headteacher
Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage: Key stage 3
Working pattern: Full time: Full Time, Permanent Role
Contract type: Permanent
Pay scale: Leadership Pay Spine : 11-14 (£66,368-£71,330)

What skills and experience we're looking for

“Stretford Grammar School is an inspirational place to learn. Pupils flourish in this warm and welcoming environment.” (Ofsted 2024).

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people? We are looking for an inspiring Assistant Headteacher to join our leadership team. This is a key role where you will lead on Safeguarding, Attendance, and Inclusion - helping to create a safe, supportive, and thriving environment for every child.

The Role

- Be our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring every child feels safe and supported.

- Drive strategies that improve attendance and punctuality, giving students the best chance to succeed.

- Lead on behaviour, promoting a positive and respectful school culture.

- Support and guide staff through effective line management and professional development.

- Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to shape the school’s vision and drive improvement.

What we are looking for

- A qualified teacher with leadership experience and a heart for student welfare.

- Strong knowledge of Safeguarding and Inclusion.

- Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire others.

Why Join Us

- A Warm, Inclusive Culture: you’ll be part of a community where students flourish in a welcoming and caring environment- Ofsted praised the school’s “courteous, purposeful and respectful atmosphere”.

- Values-Driven: work within a school guided by its motto Aspirat primo fortuna labori—we strive for Aspiration, Endeavour, and Respect in everything we do.

- Real Impact & Academic Excellence: join a co-educational, selective grammar school known for its high standards and commitment to fulfilling each student’s potential.

- Community & Collaboration: collaborate with ambitious students, supportive colleagues, and engaged families in a truly caring and harmonious setting.

- Professional Growth: benefit from a leadership team that celebrates success, invests in staff development, and truly values your contribution.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. At Stretford Grammar School, we believe that diversity enriches our community and strengthens our ability to provide the best education for our students. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. If you share our passion for equality and opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate will be expected to ensure high quality outcomes for students, staff and the wider community, as well as contribute to the next exciting phase of the school’s development with the planned new build. In doing so, you will make a major contribution to school improvement and the school’s legacy for future generations.

The successful candidate will be subject to a full enhanced DBS check.

What the school offers its staff

Stretford Grammar School

Welcome to Our Community

Stretford Grammar School is a vibrant and forward‑thinking selective secondary school set within 15 acres of green space in Stretford, Trafford. Serving students aged 11–18, including a flourishing Sixth Form, the school benefits from a diverse and dynamic community that enriches every aspect of school life. As a prospective colleague, you will be joining a school with a proud heritage and a deep commitment to nurturing the talents of young people and staff alike.

Our Ethos: Aspiration, Endeavour & Respect

Our motto, “Aspirat primo fortuna labori” — success comes to those who strive from the outset — is at the heart of our mission. These values guide behaviour, relationships, and teaching across the school. The values of Aspiration, Endeavour and Respect shape a culture of kindness, effort and pride. Visitors often comment on the warmth, positivity and courteous interactions that define daily life at Stretford Grammar.

We welcome staff who share these values and who wish to grow in a supportive and aspirational environment.

A School Steeped in History

Stretford Grammar has a proud history dating back to the 1920s, with the boys’ school opening in 1928 and the girls’ school established even earlier in 1923. Over nearly a century, it has evolved through significant educational changes while retaining its commitment to excellence and resilience. This history shapes our character today — blending academic tradition with innovation and inclusivity.

A Richly Diverse and Inclusive School

Diversity is one of Stretford Grammar’s greatest strengths. Nearly two‑thirds of students come from minority ethnic backgrounds, and around 30% have a first language other than English — significantly above the national average. This multicultural community enriches the life of the school and creates an environment where all identities and experiences are valued.

We wholeheartedly encourage applicants from all backgrounds, recognising the strength that diverse voices bring to our students and our staff culture.

Exceptional Students Who Love to Learn

Ofsted describes Stretford Grammar School as an “inspirational place to learn”, where students — including those with SEND — feel safe, happy, and able to flourish. Students meet exceptionally high expectations for behaviour and academic achievement. They show genuine enthusiasm for learning and demonstrate courtesy and maturity in their interactions with staff and peers.

Working here means working with motivated young people who bring energy, respect, and curiosity to their lessons.

Our Facilities and Learning Environment

Located on spacious and attractive grounds, the school offers modern teaching spaces, specialist STEM facilities, and a range of creative and sporting environments that actively encourage exploration and innovation. These facilities allow staff to deliver high‑quality lessons and develop engaging and ambitious learning experiences.

Looking to the future, the school is due to be rebuilt, marking an exciting and transformative phase in its development. This planned rebuild reflects a significant investment in the long‑term future of the school, ensuring that staff and students will benefit from a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment. Colleagues joining us now will be part of shaping this next chapter — helping to imagine, design, and inspire what education will look like in brand new facilities.

Life Beyond the Classroom

The extracurricular life of Stretford Grammar is wide‑ranging and full of opportunities. Students participate enthusiastically in arrange of creative and cultural clubs including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Debating, Robotics, Choir and Steel Pans, Jewellery Making. Many students also serve as prefects, ambassadors and school parliamentarians, contributing actively to school life.

Staff who choose to lead or support these activities often describe them as some of the most rewarding aspects of their professional experience.

Academic Achievement and Reputation

Stretford Grammar’s academic outcomes consistently exceed national averages and Ofsted’s 2024 Inspection reported that the school may be close to an Outstanding judgement due to its exceptional curriculum design, high‑quality teaching and strong progress across subjects.

Staff who join us are supported by a collaborative, reflective and ambitious professional culture.

What It’s Like to Work at Stretford Grammar

Working at Stretford Grammar means joining a supportive, welcoming and proud professional community. Staff wellbeing is valued, and new colleagues are welcomed into a culture where teamwork, professional dialogue and shared successes are part of daily life.

Parents and carers maintain strong partnerships with the school, enhancing the sense of collective responsibility and contributing to positive outcomes for students.

We warmly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and levels of experience to apply. Your unique perspective and professional identity will strengthen our community and positively impact the lives of our students.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.