Assistant Headteacher: Personal Development & Enrichment

Wardle Academy, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL12 9RD

10 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 June 2026

• Closing date

  30 March 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  20 March 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
  • Assistant headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Working pattern: Full time: 32.5 hours Monday to Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £67,898 - £75,049
• Pay scale: Leadership Scale: L12 – L16

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking a visionary Assistant Headteacher to become the architect of our Personal Development pillar.

The Role: Leading with Purpose

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will breathe life into our core values:

• The Form Time Revolution (Wellbeing & Empathy): You will transform morning registration into the heartbeat of the school. By elevating the role of the Form Tutor, you’ll design a high-impact program that fosters a sense of belonging and prepares students mentally, academically and emotionally for the day ahead.

• World-Class Enrichment (Ambition): You will turn "extra-curricular" into a "co-curricular" powerhouse. From sports to niche life-skills workshops, you will ensure 100% engagement, closing the "opportunity gap" and proving that there are no limits to what our students can achieve both in and outside of the classroom.

• Student Voice (Leadership & Respect): You will empower our students to take the lead. By showing genuine respect for their perspectives, you will ensure their voices shape the evolution of the Academy.

• Inclusive Excellence (Diversity): You will lead a strategy that celebrates what makes every individual unique, ensuring our Personal Development curriculum exceeds statutory requirements and prepares students for life in a modern, diverse society. At Wardle Academy, our commitment to British Values is woven into the very fabric of our school life. We don’t see these as separate requirements; they are the natural extension of the Wardle Way.

Please note, whilst the primary objectives will initially encompass Personal Development, form time, and enrichment programming, the specific duties of the Assistant Headteacher may be periodically adjusted to support the postholder’s professional development across the full leadership spectrum and to remain responsive to the school’s evolving requirements.Who You Are

We need a leader who is as organised as they are empathetic. You should be:

• A Champion of the Wardle Way: A passionate advocate who models respect and kindness in every interaction.

• A Strategic Architect: Able to use data to track engagement and ensure that all of our community are reaching for the highest goals (Ambition).

• A Culture Builder: Someone who can make a Tuesday morning assembly feel like a major event and motivate staff to go the "extra mile."

• Grounded & Resilient: Leadership is demanding; a sense of humour and a "fear no-one" attitude toward challenges are essential for our SLT dynamic.

What the school offers its staff

Who we are.At Wardle Academy, we believe education is about far more than just exam results. We are on a mission to develop learners who are well-rounded, socially conscious, and aspirational. Of course outcomes are important, but so is personal growth and development. The two aims are not mutually exclusive. We don’t just teach subjects; we build character through a unique ethos we call The Wardle Way.

Why Join Wardle Academy?

Part of the Watergrove Trust, we serve a diverse community in a beautiful semi-rural setting near the West Pennines. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in all areas (Oct 2022), we are a school that refuses to stand still. We offer:

• A transformational ethos where you can truly make your mark.

• Exceptional CPD and career progression opportunities.

• A friendly, welcoming staff community and wonderful learners.

• Excellent facilities, easy M62 access, and a commitment to your own professional development.

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Assistant Headteacher JD_PS.docx (1).pdf - 282 KB (opens in new tab)

About Wardle Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1364 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Wardle Academy website
• Email address: people@wardleacademy.co.uk
• Phone number: 01706 373911
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/wardle-academy

Part of Wardle Multi Academy Trust

Arranging a visit to Wardle Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email people@wardleacademy.co.uk.

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