Headteacher – SEN / SEMH Specialist School


Company:	senploy
Salary:	£65,000 - £65,000
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	29 Jul 2026
Closing date:	26 Aug 2026

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Summary

Headteacher - SEMH School

Location: Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum (Negotiable DOE)

Contract: Full-time | Permanent

Start: September or January for the right candidate

Closing Date: 30th August

Headteacher Jobs in Ashton-under-Lyne | SEMH School Leadership Opportunity

Luma Education Recruitment are working in partnership with a specialist SEMH school in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, to appoint an inspiring and experienced Headteacher to lead the school through its next phase of development.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious school leader with experience in Special Educational Needs (SEN), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) education, or Alternative Provision, who is passionate about improving outcomes for young people with additional needs.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, drive high standards of teaching and learning, and create a safe, nurturing environment where pupils can thrive both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide inspirational leadership across all areas of the school

- Lead on school improvement, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and behaviour

- Create a positive, inclusive and therapeutic culture for pupils with SEMH needs

- Develop and support staff through coaching, mentoring and professional development

- Ensure compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding and statutory requirements

- Manage budgets and resources effectively to achieve the best outcomes

- Build strong relationships with parents, carers, local authorities and external agencies

- Work collaboratively with governors and senior leaders to deliver the school's strategic vision

Requirements

- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

- National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) desirable but not essential

- Previous senior leadership experience within a school, ideally as a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or Assistant Headteacher

- Experience working within SEMH, SEND, Alternative Provision or specialist education

- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, behaviour management and school improvement

- Proven ability to inspire teams and drive positive change

- Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills

- Passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people

Benefits

- Salary up to £65,000 (negotiable depending on experience)

- Permanent leadership opportunity within a supportive specialist school

- Start in September or January for the right candidate

- Ongoing leadership development and CPD

- Opportunity to shape the future direction of the school

- Supportive governing body and senior leadership team

- Rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference to pupils with SEMH needs

About Luma Education Recruitment

Luma Education Recruitment partners with specialist schools, SEN provisions and multi-academy trusts across the UK, connecting exceptional education professionals with long-term and permanent opportunities. We pride ourselves on understanding both our candidates and our schools to ensure the right fit.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

To apply or find out more, send your CV today.

If this role isn't quite right, we'd still love to hear from you and help you find a position that matches your experience and career goals.

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