Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: L15 £66,628 L19 £73,509 per annum
Hours Per Week: 100%, full time (based on school leadership roles)
Base Location: Thomas Ashton School, Bennett Street, Hyde, SK14 4SS
Assessment Date: Shortlisting Thursday 17th October 2024, Selection activities w/c Monday 21st October 2024
Required: January 2025
Thomas Ashton is a currently a community special school based in Hyde (borough of Tameside) which provides high quality, innovative alternative educational experiences for pupils and students with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties) across the 5 - 14 age range. It is proposed that the school joins the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust in January 2025. Further information can be found on the Thomas Ashton website.
New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust is a vibrant, aspirational and inclusive multi-academy trust of six special schools and with two specialist post-16 provisions across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale. As part of the wider New Bridge Group there are also a two post-19 provisions. All of the children and young people have an EHCP with the settings 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.
We are looking for a highly skilled and committed new Head Teacher to take the school forward on this exciting new journey.
Since January 2024 the school has made rapid improvements and we have launched our new curriculum in September. Our curriculum places high value on opportunities for socialemotional development, enrichment and creativity alongside the more academic subjects. We believe that all children are unique and try to find ways of engaging children that draw from their interests and build on their existing strengths. We provide a range of therapeutic support and interventions to ensure the holistic development of the child. We have a highly skilled and committed team of staff that want to leave no stone unturned in trying to meet the needs of all of our children.
The new Head Teacher will be fully supported by an Executive Head Teacher and a Governing Board which provides the dual role of support and challenge to ensure the best outcomes for our children. In addition, the Trust will bring with it an established and significant level of experience to support the Head.
We are a registered Thrive School and have a number of trained practitioners on site. Thrive is an approach that recognises the importance of creativity in social-emotional development and provides evidence that it is never too late to make positive changes. We have been awarded an ArtsMark Silver accreditation for our long term commitments to the arts.
Due to the complex nature of our students, high levels of emotional and physical resilience are needed in dealing with challenging behaviour. However, the knowledge that our work is making a positive impact in helping the young people to grow and work towards independence brings great reward.
We have 82 children on roll with this expected to increase to 100. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide the excellent leadership which will allow the school to achieve its vision for its young people.
This is an exciting time for the school as it continues to develop and enhance all aspects of its provision. If you share this 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 advice from a talented team of colleagues who will invest in your professional learning.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate recent, successful, and sustained impact as a senior leader along with experience of working with children and young people with SEMH. You will have a positive attitude which will inspire, enthuse and motivate students, staff and the wider school community. You must be confident, approachable and have the skills to work collaboratively, build effective teams and also to be a present and visible leader who leads by example.
For further information about the post and to arrange an informal discussion with Clare John (Chief Executive Officer New Bridge MAT) please email clare.john@newbridgegroup.org. To arrange a visit to the school please email recruitment@thomasashton.tameside.sch.uk.
Thomas Ashton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS.
Completed application forms to simonsmith@newbridgegroup.org
Reference Number: SCH158
Application Form
Job Description and Person Specification Profile