Assistant Headteacher

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Arbour Academy (Initial base at Arbour Academy. Location formally reviewed after 6 months and may transfer to Acer Academy, Salford.) Inspire Excellence. Lead Practice. Transform Futures.

Arbour Academy, part of Kings Academy Trust, is a small, nurturing provision for up to 50 learners with social, emotional and mental health needs who are unable to access mainstream education.

We provide a broad and balanced curriculum within a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment.

Our holistic approach including pastoral care, therapeutic interventions and access to a Trust counsellor enables young people to re-engage with education, rebuild confidence and make meaningful academic and personal progress.

This is a pivotal leadership role for an ambitious and reflective practitioner who is passionate about improving classroom practice and strengthening curriculum delivery.

• Lead and model outstanding teaching and learning across the school
• Strengthen curriculum design, implementation and assessment
• Coach and develop colleagues to improve classroom practice
• Drive inclusive, adaptive teaching that meets diverse needs
• Play a key role in whole‑school improvement strategy
• Maintain a teaching commitment, modelling adaptive, inclusive and evidence‑informed practice that supports pupils with SEMH and EBSA needs
• Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning across the curriculum
• Deliver high‑impact coaching and developmental feedback
• Support subject leaders to ensure ambitious and coherent curriculum implementation
• Lead on raising standards in classroom practice
• Support planning, sequencing and review of an ambitious, inclusive curriculum
• Embed literacy, numeracy, oracy and personal development across subjects
• Develop effective assessment systems suitable for pupils with SEND
• Use data intelligently to identify gaps and accelerate progress
• Lead targeted interventions to address barriers to learning
• Work closely with the SENCo to embed adaptive teaching strategies
• Promote consistent use of scaffolding, modelling, chunking and visual supports
• Ensure barriers to learning are proactively addressed
• Line‑manage and develop staff
• Contribute to CPD aligned with school priorities
• Support performance management processes
• Promote evidence‑informed teaching practices and appropriate use of technology
• Contribute to the smooth and effective running of the school day
• Support behaviour, safeguarding and positive engagement
• Work collaboratively with external agencies and parents
• Attend and contribute to leadership meetings
• Support delivery and evaluation of Pupil Premium strategy

• Experienced and reflective leader who is a qualified teacher with a relevant degree
• Has experience working with pupils with SEMH and EBSA
• Has successfully improved teaching and learning across a school or department
• Confident using assessment and data to drive progress
• Effective coach and developer of staff
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence, resilience and strong relational practice
• Committed to evidence‑informed practice and continuous professional growth

• Experience with in a Trust or multi‑school context
• Willingness to pursue further leadership qualifications (e.g. NPQ)

• Small school environment with strong pastoral systems
• Trauma‑informed, therapeutic approach
• Opportunity to shape whole‑school teaching and learning strategy
• Visible and supportive senior leadership team
• Part of Kings Academy Trust collaborative and values‑driven

This is a rare opportunity for a committed leader to make a profound difference in a specialist setting where inclusion and high expectations go hand in hand.

For further information, please contact:
Mrs Colette Heavey, Executive School Business Manager,  

Application forms should be emailed to: