Heywood Academy is a new special school in Rochdale that offers tailored educational support for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and/or who may experience Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) associated with ASC.
Heywood Academy is a 75-placement school for students aged 11-19, with an EHCP and a diagnosis of ASC and/ or SLCN associated with ASC.
Heywood Academy provides a broad and balanced curriculum that enables students from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5 to access creative learning opportunities tailored to meet their individual needs. We have worked hard to continue to be at the forefront of successful, innovative curriculum design, with overall breadth and balance, which provides students with ASC and SLCN their full entitlement. As a result, the students benefit from excellent opportunities in all aspects of our curriculum to achieve and improve their academic achievement, social skills, communication skills, knowledge, understanding, well‑being and physical development.
The school is part of the New Bridge Multi‑Academy Trust a vibrant, aspirational and inclusive multi‑academy trust of eight special schools and two specialist post‑16 provisions across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale. As part of the wider New Bridge Group there are also two post‑19 provisions. All the children and young people have an EHCP with the Trust supporting a wide spectrum of needs from age 4-19 and beyond. The Trust is proud to be national leaders in Special Education and has a culture of creating outstanding opportunities for all. While each setting operates discreetly, they have a shared passion to improve the life opportunities available to the children and young people once they leave school. They work very closely together to achieve this and ensure that together they best meet the needs of individual students. A culture of mutual support and teamwork permeates the organisation.
This is an exciting time to join our school as it continues its journey, and it will continue to develop and enhance all aspects of its provision as the student numbers increase year on year. If you share our drive, determination and ambition, it offers an outstanding opportunity to develop in a forward‑thinking and outward‑looking organisation.
Your continued development will also be a priority, and you will receive excellent support and guidance from a talented team of colleagues who are committed to investing in your professional learning.
We invite applications from excellent practitioners to deliver environmental learning and horticulture to KS3 and to support KS4 students with ASC in developing their understanding of the natural world. A sound understanding of the KS3 environmental curriculum and related KS4 pathways will help you shape learning that is meaningful, relevant, and empowering.
The successful candidate will:
* Experience of teaching outdoor education and/or delivering environmental and project‑based learning.
* Previous experience of leading, planning and delivering learning activities.
* Knowledge and understanding of autism and how children and young people with ASC learn.
* Ability to apply ASC specific strategies to adapt teaching and learning for a wide range of needs.
* Understanding of current assessment practices, including the use of data and progress tracking to support progress for all learners.
* Experience in raising attainment and securing progress for learners with diverse needs.
* Experience delivering high‑quality teaching and learning, demonstrating the ability to inspire and motivate children and young people.
* Capacity to deliver a Forest School and horticultural curriculum, making effective use of the school’s dedicated outdoor learning environment.
* Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, designing imaginative learning experiences aligned with pupils’ EHCP outcomes.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents, and the wider community.
* Highly organised, proactive, and committed to ongoing professional development.
Although based at our Heywood site, all staff are employed by the MAT and are expected to work at any site within the New Bridge Group.
Candidates are welcome to arrange a visit.
New Bridge Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must have a commitment to safeguarding young people. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and references will be sought prior to interview.
Salary: Teachers’ Pay Scale + SEN (£2787)
Hours of work: 1.0 FTE
Based: Heywood Academy
Commencing: September 2026
Closing Date: Thursday 14th May 2026, 9am
Interview/observation: Thursday 21st May 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr