Hiring Now: Headteacher Near You – Apply Today!
Your Next Headteacher Job Starts Here – Apply Now!
Headteacher
Job Posted: an hour ago
Salary: £ 75,000 - 85,000 / Annum
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Oldham
Expire in: a month
Job Description
Headteacher
Location: Oldham
Salary: 75000 to 85000
Start: January or February 2026
Contract: Full time, Permanent
About
A new independent specialist school in Oldham is preparing to open after Easter 2026, and we are looking for an experienced Headteacher to lead it from the ground up.
The school will provide day education for pupils aged 5 to 16 with a wide range of SEND needs including social emotional and mental health needs, communication and interaction needs, trauma histories, and pupils requiring highly individualised learning pathways. The provision is designed for smaller class sizes, therapeutic input, structured routines, and a curriculum built around progress, regulation, and long term outcomes.
This is not a maintenance role. You will be responsible for establishing the culture, systems, curriculum, safeguarding framework, and operational standards from day one, supported by a wider senior leadership network from a national specialist education provider.
The role
This is a full leadership remit. You will:
Lead the opening, development, and ongoing performance of the school
Create and embed a strong safeguarding culture with robust compliance and reporting
Design and deliver a curriculum model that meets the needs of a diverse SEND cohort
Build, mentor, and performance manage a multidisciplinary staff team
Shape behaviour and wellbeing systems that reflect a therapeutic, relational approach
Lead the school improvement strategy with clear priorities, timelines, and accountability
Ensure full compliance with Independent School Standards
Establish quality assurance processes, data tracking, assessment cycles, and documentation
Work closely with external professionals, commissioners, local authorities, and parents
Drive a culture of high expectations for pupils while maintaining high support
Prepare the school for inspection and work towards an outstanding rating
Lead by example, modelling the values expected across the community
This is for someone who can manage complexity, drive standards, and stay calm when things aren’t tidy.
What the ideal candidate looks like
You’ll need to already understand the realities of leading a specialist provision. They want someone who has:
Significant experience as a Headteacher in a SEND environment (not an aspiring Head)
Proven success improving or establishing a specialist school
Deep understanding of SEND practice across primary and secondary age ranges
A track record of building effective staff teams and managing performance
Strong operational and strategic leadership skills
Excellent understanding of safeguarding frameworks
Thorough knowledge of the Independent School Standards
Expertise in curriculum design for diverse and complex needs
The resilience to lead through uncertainty, change, and growth
A person centred leadership style with high challenge and high support
Outstanding communication skills
QTS
If your background is mainstream only, or you’ve never steered a SEND school through inspection or improvement, this won’t be the right fit.
What’s on offer
You will be joining a well established specialist education group with a high functioning senior leadership network, structured professional development, and strong operational support. Benefits include:
Occupational sick pay
Christmas bonus
Blue Light Card
Referral scheme (up to 2500)
Life assurance
Financial wellbeing support
Tastecard
Ongoing training and leadership development
Therapeutic training and wellbeing support
Employee assistance programme
High quality CPD
Free eye checks
If you want to shape a new specialist school from the ground up — with real autonomy and real responsibility — this is a rare opportunity to do it properlyBefore You Apply
Do not include the following in your job application, CV, or cover letter:
- Bank details.
- National Insurance number.
- Date of birth.
You should not be asked for payment or irrelevant information. If you have concerns about a job advert or employer, seek guidance on how to proceed.
Looking for your next career move? Join a top company hiring Headteacher job near me in Oldham! This is your chance to work on exciting projects, grow professionally, and enjoy a rewarding career with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Whether you're an experienced professional or looking to take the next step, this role offers the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills and make an impact. Don’t miss out—apply today via Vita CV and take your career to the next level!
© Vita CV: Registered in England and Wales (16187919).