Executive Headteacher

About the role

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and inspirational Executive Headteacher to provide strategic leadership across a group of specialist SEN schools in Greater Manchester. Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team, you will set the strategic direction, ensure high standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding and operational performance, and drive outstanding outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across multiple specialist education settings.
• Drive consistency of practice, systems and operational standards.
• Lead school improvement, quality assurance and inspection readiness activity.
• Ensure outstanding safeguarding, behaviour and pastoral practice.
• Oversee curriculum quality, learner progress and educational outcomes.
• Lead and develop senior leaders, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with central support functions to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Support sustainable growth and maintain strong stakeholder confidence.

Required profile

• QTS/QTLS (or equivalent) qualification.
• Significant senior leadership experience within education.
• Previous Headteacher, Principal or Executive leadership experience, or readiness to step into a wider executive role.
• Strong expertise in SEND, specialist education or alternative provision.
• Proven success in driving improvement and raising standards.
• Excellent understanding of Ofsted frameworks and inspection readiness.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and leadership experience.
• Ability to lead across multiple teams and sites through influence and accountability.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary range of £65,000‑£75,000 per year.
• Permanent full‑time contract.
• Opportunity to shape educational strategy for a growing specialist organisation.
• Professional development and leadership growth across a multi‑site portfolio.