Ancora House School Management Committee are seeking to appoint a Head Teacher to lead our unique and highly successful school from September 2025. In May 2023, Ofsted judged Ancora House School to be Outstanding for the fourth consecutive time, they commented:
“The calm and happy atmosphere in the school is infectious. Pupils feel safe. They are accepted for who they are, and they have the time and space to begin to make the small steps of progress towards recovery.”
The Headship presents an exceptional opportunity for a visionary, empathetic professional. Our mission is to create a safe, caring environment where young people experiencing social, emotional and mental health challenges can enjoy learning, feel valued, and move forward with their lives. The successful candidate will be an exceptional leader with experience that includes educational provision for pupils experiencing mental health or other medical needs and/or SEND.
You are ambitious and innovative, you will passionately advocate for an inclusive and transformational learning experience for our young people, you will have proven leadership experience working with pupils with mental health needs and/or SEND. With highly developed interpersonal skills, you will work in partnership with all of our stakeholders, including families, and the governing body, the hospital trust and the local authority to build on existing excellence.
As our Head Teacher, you will lead our school with commitment, integrity and confidence on the next phase of our journey, upholding our values and putting pupils first in all you do. You will aspire to not only maintain the existing high standards, but to further develop the school so that it meets the challenges of the 21st century. You will be an ambassador for the school, supporting the governors’ vision to find innovative ways to extend the reach of our work.
Applications are invited from candidates from hospital schools and special schools, as well as mainstream secondary schools. Prospective applicants are welcome to telephone the Headteacher for an informal discussion about the post on 01244 397598. The school can be visited by arrangement on 24 & 31 March between 3:30pm – 5pm, please email admin@ancora.cheshire.sch.uk to register your interest stating which site you would like to visit.
Apply by: 17 April 2025
Visit dates: 24 & 31 March
Interview date: 8 & 9 May 2025
Start date: 1 September 2025
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Our recruitment processes follow the statutory guidance: Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024. This vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and all staff are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure with barring information from the Disclosure & Barring Service as well as other vetting checks. We are an Equal Opportunities employer.