Overview
Makerfield Academy Trust is seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Executive Officer / Headteacher for Byrchall High School, Ashton-in-Makerfield. This permanent, full-time leadership role is available from 1 January 2026, with a 6-month probation. Salary: Leadership Pay Spine L33-L39B.
Location
Ashton-in-Makerfield, Warrington Road, Wigan WN4 9PQ
Job details
* Pay: £100,000 - £199,999 a year
* Job type: Permanent, Full-time
* Location: Ashton-in-Makerfield
* Expires: 07/09/2025
About the role
Makerfield Academy Trust is based in the North West of England and is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader. This exciting opportunity has arisen due to the retirement of our long-standing Chief Executive Officer / Headteacher. We need a dynamic leader who is committed to ensuring that our young people are fulfilled academically and socially, and make a positive contribution to their community.
We are committed to providing a rich education for every young person in our Trust, maximising each pupil’s academic achievement through the creation of an exceptional environment where personal abilities and individual talents are fully developed and celebrated.
Our vision is to:
* nurture an ethos that promotes academic and personal growth
* ensure high quality teaching and learning with high expectations of individual pupil performance
* provide an outstanding curriculum that inspires pupils to develop academically and personally
* equip pupils for adult life in the 21st century
* offer a modern, well-resourced learning environment
* treat everyone justly regardless of religious belief, ethnic origin or social background
* promote excellence academically, in sport, in the performing arts, and in behaviour
* support pupils to develop their personalities, talents and abilities to the full
* recognise and respect the partnership between home and school
Byrchall High School is a modern, forward-looking establishment with a substantial new-build programme opened in September 2024. We are highly committed to CPD, and the school is graded Good by Ofsted with an ambitious plan for improvement.
Why work for Makerfield Trust?
The Makerfield Trust provides a collaborative and supportive leadership structure. Byrchall High School has an established reputation within the community with strong staff and student ethos. As Headteacher, you would build on this foundation to drive further school improvement, academic excellence, and pupils’ personal development.
Trustees are looking for an inspirational leader who:
* has a proven leadership track record
* is pupil-centred and ensures pupils are safe and have a positive learning experience
* is committed to equality, ensuring pupils with SEND and disadvantage thrive
* is inspirational and committed to high standards across the organisation
* is committed to making a difference in the community
* is committed to working with local partner organisations in the wider Wigan community
We encourage candidates to visit our website and social channels; to apply, please contact Michelle Foster, Clerk to the Selection Panel.
Applications must include two professional references. Closing date: Midnight on 7 September 2025. Shortlisting: 9 September 2025. Selection days: 22–23 September 2025.
The employer is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required. Online searches may be carried out on shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
How to apply
* Application forms and supporting documents: links are available (Application Form, Job Description, Person Specification, Letter from Chair, DBS Policy Statement, Guidance for Safer Work Practices).
* Contact: Michelle Foster, Clerk to the Selection Panel, via michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk
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