Headteacher Opportunity
with Samuel Laycock school
Welcome
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Headteacher at Samuel Laycock School. I hope that after considering all of the information that we have provided, and as a result of your own research, you will be inspired to make a formal application for this exciting role.
We are a growing SEND MAT, serving the Boroughs of Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale with good and outstanding provision. Samuel Laycock is a relatively new member of the MAT, having joined the Trust formally in April 2022. The MAT has worked alongside the school leadership, on their journey to providing an ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted 2024) SEND offer for the community. To illustrate the journey Samuel Laycock has been on, the school had previously been rated as Inadequate in June 2021, but the coproduction of their curriculum, ethos and day to day processes has led to a real and impactful improvement.
As we prepare for the next stage of this journey, including expansion to include a post 16 provision from September 2025, we are looking to appoint an ambitious and enthusiastic Headteacher to help continue the excellent work of the school, and to support its staff, students, families and wider stakeholders.We have the staff teams, experience and know how to work with a new Headteacher at Samuel Laycock, as we aim to continue delivering an outstanding offer. If you feel like you are a good fit for the school and the MAT, we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in being part of the next stage of Samuel Laycock’s journey, please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership on 07736791138 or at martin.blair@hays.com for a private and confidential discussion about the role or to arrange a visit to the school.
Clare John
CEO, New Bridge Trust
Interview with Clare John
CEO New Bridge Trust
About us
Samuel Laycock School is at an exciting juncture in the journey of the school.
We have recently been graded as Outstanding by Ofsted and we are looking forward to welcoming a new Headteacher to continue the excellent work of everyone involved with the school and to take us to the next level. There are currently 240 children and young people on roll and there is a planned expansion of the school in September 2025 to include a post 16 provision. This will lead to an increase in numbers over the next few years, with capacity for 200 places, and we have huge ambition for the impact this will have on the community.
We are a proud member of the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust and believe in the power of collaboration and coproduction. Our school is located in Ashton Under Lyne and supports secondary age pupils, 11-16 from across Tameside who have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP).The children and young people have a diverse range of special needs from moderate learning difficulties to autistic spectrum disorder to severe learning difficulties and complex learning needs.
The school offers a broad and personalised curriculum and offers a variety of accredited courses to meet the skills and interests of the learners.
We provide a stimulating, inspirational environment for all to achieve.
Our campus is equipped with specialist support and facilities that meet the individual requirements of our pupils to allow them to flourish.
From the bright and attractive classrooms, ICT room and hydrotherapy pool, we allow pupils to fully explore their talents and shine in those areas they most enjoy. We also have specialised provision for pupils who may be on the autistic spectrum.
Our curriculum and philosophies provide opportunities for academic and social development to enhance life opportunities.
Classes are small and teaching staff work closely alongside support staff to provide the very best learning experience through creative and innovative approaches which support a personalised learning journey.
We are extremely proud of our school, the achievements of our learners, the expertise, dedication and commitment of our staff, our excellent facilities and our reputation for providing an outstanding special educational offer to pupils from Tameside and its surrounding areas.
New Bridge Trust
New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust formed as a MAT in 2014 and is a vibrant, aspirational and inclusive multi-academy trust of seven special schools and 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.
You can find out more about the school and the trust by clicking on the links provided below:
Location
Samuel Laycock School
Broadoak Road
Ashton Under Lyne, OL6 8RF
Vacancy Details
Headteacher
Main responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the Headteacher are:
To provide inspirational and professional leadership to staff which secures an outstanding education for students at Samuel Laycock age 11-19 years.
To work in partnership as a lead member or attendee at local governing board / Trustee meetings and with other stakeholders to fulfil the aims of the school.
To further develop and promote the work of Samuel Laycock and demonstrate a strong knowledge of the wider educational system.
To lead and contribute to the school led system
Salary
L23 – L27 (£85529 - £94332). Starting point is negotiable and the range will be reviewed with the development of the school’s new 6th form provision.
Timeline
Closing date:
8am on Monday 24th March
Interviews:
Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd April
Start date:
September 2025
How To Apply
For further information, an informal and confidential discussion about the role, to arrange a visit to the school or to discuss the application process please contact: Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments.
Tel: 07736791138
Email: martin.blair@hays.com
Safeguarding
Samuel Laycock School and New Bridge Trust value equality and diversity and are 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 practises including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check for the appointed candidate.
Supporting Documents
