Role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join our Bright Futures team to lead the development of a brand-new school in Salford. You will play a key role in shaping the school and the wider strategic direction of current and future schools.
* Be at the forefront of shaping a new specialist school in the North West.
* Join a wider leadership team with the opportunity to influence strategic direction of current and future schools.
* Work in a supportive, collaborative environment where staff development and wellbeing are valued.
* Competitive salary with a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).
Bright Futures currently has two highly successful independent specialist schools in St Helens and Lymm, and is expanding its educational offer in the North West. We are committed to high-quality education where children feel safe, valued, and belong. Our vision is to awaken the potential of every child and young person. We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Headteacher to lead our next school and support young people aged 5–18 with autism, moderate to severe learning difficulties, and complex needs. Your leadership should reflect our core educational values and moral purpose.
Reporting to the Executive Lead for Education, you will provide strategic direction and management of the school, ensuring excellence in all aspects of education and outstanding outcomes for all students. This role is ideal for someone with strong leadership experience and a commitment to improving outcomes for all students. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks, including DBS where applicable.
As The Headteacher You Will
* Ensure there is a commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity.
* Uphold high and ambitious expectations for all and promote an inclusive culture that enables all students to access the curriculum.
* Ensure the school operates within regulatory frameworks and meets statutory duties.
* Lead and manage the school’s senior management team.
* Oversee daily operations to ensure the school is well-managed and aligned with strategic goals.
* Ensure policies, practices, and procedures are understood by all staff to reduce risk and ensure consistency of practice.
* Drive continuous improvement through a robust school development plan and quality assurance procedures, including supervision and appraisal.
* Identify barriers to school effectiveness and develop realistic, timely improvement strategies.
* Promote collaboration across the school and other Bright Futures schools.
* Oversee referrals and admissions, liaising with local authorities to promote the school’s values and growth.
* Foster staff professionalism and professional development.
Notes: The Headteacher Job Description outlines general responsibilities. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the role and any reasonable responsibilities.
Requirements
Qualifications and experience
* Qualified teacher status or equivalent
* Degree or equivalent
* National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is preferred
* Minimum of 3 years of successful leadership and management experience in a school
* Experience of Autism/LD is desirable
Additional Requirements
* A track record of achieving strong outcomes for all students and promoting the school ethos
* Commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity
* High integrity and ability to handle confidential information
* Effective ICT skills
* Experience in school self-evaluation and development planning
* Experience of line management and staff development
* Data analysis skills to set targets and drive improvements
* Understanding of high-quality teaching and ability to model and support improvement
* Experience of curriculum development
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills with children, staff, parents and external agencies
* Commitment to Nolan Principles
* Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
* Proactive and self-motivated
* Understanding of education policy implications for quality assurance and enhancement
* Up-to-date knowledge of regulations in education
* Strong ethical standards and alignment with the organisation’s values
* Flexibility to cover business needs
The Headship salary scale for this school is £50,000 - £57,500 plus LTIP. Due to growth, candidates with experience to set up and lead an additional satellite school are welcome; appropriate salary would be £70,000–£80,000 plus LTIP.
Closing Date: 14 October 2025
Interview Date: 17 October 2025
Start Date: January or April 2026
Visits to schools and a meeting with the Executive Lead for Education are encouraged.
The Company
Bright Futures delivers outstanding care and education for individuals with autism, special educational and complex needs. Our team is passionate about improving lives and we invest in our people to support their growth and development.
No matter your role, our work is focused on helping the people we support to thrive and participate in their local community.
Benefits
* Meals provided at work
* Referral and reward schemes
* Life assurance
* Simply Health scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Training and development
Join the team at Bright Futures and awaken your potential while improving the lives of the people we support.
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