Headteacher Opportunity
with Thomas Ashton School
Welcome
Dear Candidate ,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Headteacher at Thomas Ashton 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. Thomas Ashton is the newest member of our MAT, after joining in January 2025. We are looking forward to playing a vital part in the development of the school, working together on a journey to providing a strong SEND offer for the community.
As we prepare for the next stage of this transition, we are looking to appoint an ambitious and enthusiastic Headteacher to help guide the school, its staff, students, families and wider stakeholders.
Joining New Bridge MAT is something that other schools have experience of. We have recently seen our newest addition, Samuel Laycock, achieve an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, which shows just how far they have come since joining the MAT in April 2022. The school had previously been rated as Requiring Improvement, but the coproduction of their curriculum, ethos and day to day processes has led to a real and impactful improvement.
We have the staff teams, experience and know how to work with a new Headteacher at Thomas Ashton, as we aim to facilitate the same kind of transition.
If you feel like you are a good fit for the school and the MAT, we would love to hear from you. Thomas Ashton will be the next success story that comes from within New Bridge MAT.
If you are interested in being part of that story as our next Headteacher, 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
Thomas Ashton School is at an exciting juncture in the development of our school. We are looking forward to welcoming a new Headteacher who will lead us on our journey into becoming part of the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust.
We currently have
84 children on roll,
with projections to grow to 100, enhancing the vibrancy and dynamism of our school community.
At the heart of our ethos is a profound commitment to nurturing the whole child. We recognise that a rich blend of social-emotional development, creativity and academic learning is essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Our curriculum is designed to celebrate the uniqueness of every child.
We engage our students by tapping into their interests and building upon their innate strengths.
Understanding that each child thrives differently, we provide tailored approaches that encourage personal growth, emotional well-being and academic success.
As a registered Thrive School, we prioritise therapeutic support and interventions that contribute to the holistic development of our children.
Our team consists of highly skilled and dedicated staff, all deeply committed to providing our students with a supportive learning environment where no stone is left unturned to meet their diverse needs.
Creativity plays a pivotal role in our educational philosophy. We proudly hold an Arts Mark Silver accreditation. This is testament to our long-term commitment to the arts and its significant impact on social-emotional development. We believe that cultivating creativity fosters resilience and encourages positive change in our students, making it crucial to our overall mission.
We acknowledge that our setting requires high levels of emotional and physical resilience, given the complex nature of our students and the challenging behaviours that may arise. It is this very challenge that makes our work so rewarding. Witnessing first hand the positive impact we have on the lives of our young people as we guide them toward independence is a source of real pride for our dedicated team.
As we look to the future, the opportunity for strong leadership is paramount. We seek a headteacher who is experienced and visionary but also passionate about each child's potential. Your leadership will be instrumental in helping us achieve our vision for our young people and enhance all aspects of our provision.
At Thomas Ashton School, we are a community dedicated to inspiring and uplifting every child. This is a role for someone who is ready to make a meaningful impact and guide our school through this exciting phase of development.
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 six 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
Vacancy details
Headteacher
Main responsibilities
To provide inspirational and professional leadership to staff which secures an outstanding education for students at Thomas Ashton School
To ensure that there is a high-quality curriculum and quality first teaching is always provided within the context of a nurturing and therapeutic environment where a holistic approach is taken to ensure the progress, attainment and development of every individual child
To work in partnership as a lead member or attendee at local governing body meetings and with other stakeholders to fulfil the aims of the school
Salary
L23 – L27 (£85529 - £94332). The starting salary will be negotiable dependent upon experience.
Timeline
Closing date:
8am on Monday 10th February
Interviews:
Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February
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
Thomas Ashton 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.
