Headteacher

Redwood School is an inclusive, dynamic and outward looking generic special school in Rochdale. With 340 students, educated across multiple sites and almost 200 staff, it is one of the largest 11-19 schools of its type. Governors are seeking an exceptional energetic leader who, as well as managing a large and complex organisation, will inspire and motivate everyone associated with the school to always do their best in supporting, challenging and providing the support and opportunities for every one of the students to thrive.

The main school is co-located with an 11-16 mainstream academy with much of the sixth form provision located at a specialist satellite centre nearby. In addition, the school has recently opened two small specialist hubs on the sites of two sponsored mainstream academies in Rochdale and there are internship sites including at Rochdale Football Club and a local NHS Hospital. These innovative partnerships, and the outward looking approach which underpins them, are important to the school’s culture. The need for places in special schools in the area is significant with an ever more complex cohort. The new Headteacher must have the ambition to ensure that the school is leading the way in supporting this, allowing more young people to benefit from the expertise it offers.

Redwood is at an exciting stage in its development. It has been judged to be good in two successive OFSTED inspections and strives to be recognised as outstanding. You will not be alone on this journey. The school’s success to date has been significantly due to the contributions of its skilled and committed staff. You will be supported by a large and capable senior leadership team and a knowledgeable Governing Body who know the school well. The journey of improvement is relentless, and you must be committed to ongoing research in order to ensure that Redwood continues to develop and demonstrate the very best educational practice. You will showcase the school through networking and leading and promoting best practice locally and regionally.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate recent, successful, and sustained impact as a senior leader and SEND experience within the 11-19 school age. You must be an inspirational leader of the highest moral integrity, committed to high quality, research informed teaching and learning. You should be an excellent communicator and have the creativity and vision to inspire and lead change but also the focus to ensure successful outcomes are reached. Your positive attitude will inspire and engage the young people, parents/carers, staff and the local community and you must be a compassionate and strong leader who can hold staff to account whilst being accountable yourself. You must be confident, approachable and have the skills to build effective teams and also to be a team player. Above all, you will share the school’s commitment to providing the very best for all its young people with a vision for the continuing success and future development of the school.

To find out more about this exceptional opportunity please visit: www.hays.co.uk/vacancies/redwood-school

Contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership for a confidential discussion, to arrange a visit to the school or to discuss making an application.

Martin Blair

T: 07736791138

E: martin.blair@hays.com

Closing date – 8am, Monday 4th December

Interviews – 13th and 14th December

Start date – April 2024 or in discussion with the appointed candidate.

Redwood School values equality and diversity and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment practices including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.