Assistant Headteacher

Manor Abbey School, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8LG

16 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  13 April 2026

• Closing date

  5 December 2025 at 9am

• Date listed

  18 November 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Assistant headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £57,831.00 - £63,815.00 Annually (Actual) Leadership Point 7 to 11

Assistant Headteacher job summary

Manor Abbey School is proud to be part of 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 from leaders with experience in behaviour, culture and personal development.

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit Manor Abbey School before applying. This is an essential opportunity to experience our ethos, culture, and meet our dedicated team. 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.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing what makes our school exceptional!

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.
• Applicants will be required to support performance reviews of the teaching team and will need evidence of 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.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, inspiring confidence and collaboration among staff, students, and families.
• Resilience, empathy, and a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusivity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

What You Can Expect from Us

At Manor Abbey School, we are dedicated to supporting and developing our staff as much as our students. Joining our team means:

• Professional Growth: Access to tailored CPD opportunities, coaching, and mentorship to support your career progression.
• Supportive Leadership: A collaborative Senior Leadership Team committed to your success and well-being.
• Well-Being Focus: A workplace that prioritises staff mental health, with initiatives to ensure a positive and inclusive working environment.
• Innovative Environment: The opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art school with resources designed to meet the needs of SEMH students.
• Recognition and Respect: A culture that values your contributions and celebrates successes across the school community.
• Well-Being Initiatives: Access to employee assistance programmes offering health and well-being advice, including Cycle to Work and Tech Purchase schemes.

Manor Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and thorough pre-employment vetting.

You will find our policies ( including Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment and Disclosure of a Criminal Conviction) here;- School Policies - Manor Abbey School

If you are ready to inspire, lead, and make a difference, we encourage you to apply and join our transformative team!

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.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Manor Abbey School

• School type: Free School, ages 11 to 16
• School size: 14 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Manor Abbey School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/manor-abbey-school

School location

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