Headteacher – Salford

Location: 5 Gerald Road, Salford, M6 6DW
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Salary: From £80,000 per annum, with enhanced remuneration packages considered for highly experienced candidates
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

September 2026 Start Date

Our Values

At EdStart Specialist Education, Progression underpins everything we do, alongside our values of Humanity, Togetherness, and Compassion. These values guide how we lead our schools, design our curriculum, and support young people to overcome barriers and succeed.

We are a diverse and inclusive organisation and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or personal characteristics.

About EdStart

EdStart Specialist Education is a growing provider of SEN and Alternative Provision, with schools across Greater Manchester and the Wirral. We support young people with a wide range of needs, including SEMH, Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and the impact of childhood trauma.

Our schools are intentionally small, relational, and personalised, allowing us to focus on long-term outcomes and meaningful progress rather than simply attendance or examination results.

The Role

We are seeking to appoint an experienced, values-led Headteacher to lead our Salford provision. This is a multi-site leadership role, providing strategic oversight across our settings in Salford, Bury & Wythenshawe.

This is a senior leadership role with significant scope to shape the culture, direction, and outcomes of the school. You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, providing both strategic leadership and visible, hands-on support within the provision.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall quality of education, upholding professional standards across the staff team, and creating and maintaining an inspirational environment consistent with high-quality specialist education.

This role would suit a confident, compassionate leader who is experienced within specialist settings and committed to inclusive, relational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and embed a clear vision aligned with EdStart’s values
• Develop and deliver a strategic improvement plan that drives sustained school improvement
• Take full responsibility for the quality of education across the provision
• Use data intelligently to evaluate impact, inform decision-making, and set clear priorities
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with parents, local authorities, and external partners
• Through regular communication and updates, ensure positive partnerships with schools and local authorities to maintain full occupancy and strong referral pathways
• Line-manage senior leaders, providing appropriate support, challenge, and professional development
• Take strategic ownership of workforce planning and team development, working collaboratively with recruitment to attract, appoint, and retain high-quality staff, while driving the vision and structure of the team across the provisions.
• Uphold and model high professional standards across the staff team
• Lead performance management processes with a clear focus on accountability, growth, and continuous improvement
• Create and sustain an inspirational learning environment where staff and pupils can thrive
• Oversee budgets and resources to ensure effective, sustainable deployment
• Ensure the school consistently meets statutory requirements and Independent School Standards

Teaching & Learning

• Lead the development of a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum responsive to SEN and SEMH needs
• Champion high-quality, evidence-informed teaching practice
• Ensure robust systems for assessment, intervention, and monitoring of pupil progress
• Foster collaboration and professional learning across the school and wider organisation
• Maintain a strong and visible culture of safeguarding
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are consistently implemented and reviewed
• Promote the wellbeing of both students and staff, recognising the demands of specialist education
• Act as the safeguarding lead or oversee safeguarding leadership as appropriate

Person Specification

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree
• Significant senior leadership experience within a secondary, special, or alternative provision setting
• Strong understanding of SEN and SEMH provision
• Proven track record of leading teams and managing performance effectively
• Demonstrable experience of driving improvements in the quality of education
• Clear commitment to inclusive education and relational practice
• NPQH
• SENCO qualification or substantial experience leading SEN provision

Why Join EdStart?

• Shape a specialist provision: Have genuine influence over the direction and culture of the school
• Values-led organisation: Decisions are driven by what is right for young people and staff
• Autonomy and trust: Space to lead authentically and make meaningful, sustainable impact

Safeguarding & Recruitment

EdStart Specialist Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

An online search will be carried out for shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2026).

How to apply?

Please complete the application form below: