Reading Support & Library Manager in Manchester

At The Barlow, we are seeking to appoint a Reading Support and Library Manager to lead and develop our brand‑new Learning Resource Centre. This is a permanent position offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupils' learning, literacy, and personal development.

Are you:

• Currently working in a library, learning resource centre, study centre, or another youth‑focused educational environment and passionate about reading and inspiring a lifelong love of books?
• Possessing a strong understanding of teenage interests, trends, and culture, alongside a belief in the transformative power of education and social mobility?
• Highly organised, confident using technology, and enthusiastic about creating innovative, collaborative learning spaces that support pupil achievement?
• Looking for a full‑time, permanent role with the benefit of school holidays and excellent transport links based in South Manchester?
• Desire to join a supportive and ambitious team committed to continuous improvement and high standards for pupils?
• Willing to work in a diverse and inclusive school community where pupil behaviour is excellent and a calm, purposeful learning environment enables both staff and students to thrive?

If the above sound like you, we would love to hear from you.

Duties of the Reading Support and Library Manager:

• Lead and develop our Learning Resource Centre, ensuring it remains a vibrant, innovative, and future‑focused centre for reading, research and independent learning.
• Support the English Lead Practitioner with reading interventions across the school by delivering targeted programmes that improve pupils' reading confidence, fluency and comprehension.
• Maintain a well‑organised, welcoming, and purposeful learning environment through effective library management, cataloguing, stock control and engaging literacy initiatives.
• Champion reading across the school, working with staff and students to embed a culture in which reading is valued, celebrated and enjoyed by all.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Learning Resource Centre, identifying opportunities to enhance, modernise and future‑proof its services to meet the evolving needs of the school community.

Reading Support and Library Manager must:

• Have experience of working with young people, ideally within an educational, library or youth‑focused setting.
• Demonstrate the ability to create a forward‑thinking and engaging learning environment, using innovative approaches and collaborative practice to enhance pupil engagement, achievement and wellbeing.
• Be highly reliable, professional and adaptable, with excellent punctuality and attendance.
• Possess strong literacy and numeracy skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with students, staff, parents and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team, following guidance and contributing positively to shared goals.
• Be self‑motivated, well‑organised and able to manage competing priorities while consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards.
• Be willing to undertake first aid training and support pupil welfare responsibilities, including providing first aid, caring for unwell pupils and liaising appropriately with parents, carers and staff.

You will benefit from:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives and educational experiences of young people.
• A full‑time role with family‑friendly working hours and the benefit of school holiday periods.
• The security and stability of permanent employment within a successful and well‑established school.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, including valuable benefits such as life assurance and dependants' pensions.
• Access to a wide range of high‑quality professional development and online training opportunities.
• An Employee Assistance Programme, providing confidential well‑being and support services.
• Access to a Cycle to Work Scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable travel.
• A varied and rewarding role with opportunities to develop new skills and make a lasting impact across the school community.

Important Details:

• Contract: Permanent, full‑time, school term time plus 1 week.
• Salary: Grade 4, Points 7‑11 £26,403 – £28,142 (actual £22,694 to £24,219 per annum).
• Working Pattern: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Start Date: 1st September 2026.
• Pension: Greater Manchester Pension Fund with employer contributions of 17.2%.
• Location: Parrs Wood Road, Didsbury, M20 6BX.

How to Apply

Are you the Reading Support and Library Manager we have been searching for? If so, please get in touch – call the HR team 0161 438 2108, send over your CV or complete and return an application form at hr@thebarlowrchigh.co.uk. Closing date: Friday 26th June, 8.00 am. Interview date: Week beginning Monday 29th June 2026.