Are you a visionary, resilient, and inspirational Senior Leader ready to take the reins and drive transformative change as a Headteacher of an Alternative Provision (AP)?
We are seeking an outstanding and dedicated leader to champion our AP in Accrington. This is a challenging yet profoundly rewarding role for an individual committed to improving the life chances of vulnerable young people who face complex Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) barriers and disengagement from mainstream education. If you possess the strategic vision and therapeutic expertise to lead a specialist team, we want to hear from you.
Core Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership and Vision
As Headteacher, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the welfare, educational progress, and strategic direction of the provision.
Vision and Strategy: Define, articulate, and implement a compelling strategic vision for the AP, ensuring every aspect of the provision meets the diverse and complex needs of its pupils.
Quality of Education: Ensure the delivery of a flexible, engaging, and highly personalised curriculum (KS3/KS4) that leads to positive academic, vocational, and emotional outcomes.
Pastoral and Ethos: Establish and embed a strong, positive, trauma-informed, and restorative ethos throughout the provision, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and high-expectations culture.
Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of finance, resource allocation, premises management, and compliance with all statutory requirements and regulations.
Safeguarding and Welfare: Serve as the designated DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead), ensuring robust safeguarding practices and fostering strong multi-agency working with external partners.
Staff Leadership: Lead, inspire, manage, and develop a small, specialist team of teachers and support staff, fostering a culture of continuous professional development and high performance.
What We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence within the AP sector:
Essential Leadership Experience: Significant Senior Leadership experience (Head of School, Deputy Head, or equivalent) within an Alternative Provision, PRU, or specialist SEMH/SEN school.
Knowledge: Expert knowledge of the educational and statutory landscape surrounding SEMH, safeguarding, and AP provision.
Ethos: A clear understanding and commitment to therapeutic and restorative approaches to behaviour management and well-being.
Impact: A proven track record of driving rapid improvement and ensuring positive measurable outcomes for vulnerable cohorts.
Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is highly desirable, or significant senior leadership experience paired with a relevant qualification in youth work or education management.
Why Lead Our Alternative Provision in Accrington?
Autonomy: This is a chance to lead and shape a specialist provision, making high-impact decisions that directly benefit pupils.
Meaningful Career: A profoundly rewarding role where you can transform the life trajectory of young people in the local community.
Support: Access to wider trust or local authority support networks (if applicable, please adjust).
Apply Today - Lead the Future of Alternative Education!
If you are the inspirational leader ready to take on this Headteacher role in Accrington from January 2026, please send your CV and a detailed cover letter outlining your strategic vision for AP and your experience with SEMH to (url removed) or click apply.
Interviews will involve a stakeholder panel and a task demonstrating strategic leadership ability.
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