Cromwell Special School
Assistant Headteacher Head of Department
Due to retirement of current postholder
Full time, Permanent post - Leadership Scale: 10-14
Start date: April 2025
‘Learning today for a better tomorrow’
Applications are invited for this role within our special school for pupils with Severe or Complex Learning Difficulties following the retirement of the current post holder. The post would suit a candidate devoted to meeting pupils’ complex special needs whether within a Special School or Mainstream Primary context and is initially to lead our ‘Structured’ department for pupils with Autism (ASC and severe learning difficulties) These pupils require a high level of structure and routine in order to engage in learning and need a practitioner who has a depth of knowledge in ASC, associated behaviours and sensory processing needs. Pupils also require respect for their needs as teenagers and support in preparation for adult life. You will have the proven capacity to lead and inspire a team of enthusiastic and talented staff to continue to meet the complex learning and care needs of our pupils to the very highest standards.
Are you:
* Positive and solution orientated with all stakeholders
* Completely committed to meeting each individual pupil’s complex needs and achieving the highest national standards
* Committed to the right for pupils with learning difficulties to have a broad and balanced education, develop their core skills and mature towards adulthood
* Committed to support pupils with learning difficulties and SEMH in a non-judgemental and solution-oriented manner- seeing behaviours that challenge as a learning need
* Eager to contribute to, and take a lead role in, leading and managing organisational change, implementing and driving the school’s philosophy and purpose to secure success and improvement
Cromwell recently joined Kingfisher Learning Trust, a values driven multi-academy trust based in Oldham which currently has six schools within it; a mix of mainstream and special primaries and Cromwell as the only specialist secondary provision at present. As a member of Kingfisher Learning Trust, we benefit from a range of continuing professional development opportunities across all the schools and collaborative, partnership working is a strength. In joining Cromwell, you will also be joining a growing, person-centred trust with the many opportunities this brings.
Cromwell School is an oversubscribed 140 place school for pupils aged 11-19yrs with complex difficulties and we are looking for a leader who will share our vision and values and those of the Trust, and as part of the senior leadership team will drive this forward with commitment and enthusiasm, working effectively as part of the team to achieve the highest standards for all.
More information about our school is available on our new website at
A thorough induction will be provided for the successful candidate taking into account their previous experience. The school is fully committed to the self-evaluation process leading to continuing professional development.
Cromwell High School is committed to the highest standards of child protection and safeguarding of our pupils and this post requires an enhanced DBS check.
To arrange a visit to the school and informal discussion with the Headteacher contact Karen Smillie- PA to the SLT- on admin@cromwell.tameside.sch.uk or on 0161 338 9730
Application forms should be returned to:
- admin@cromwell.tameside.sch.uk or posted to: Cromwell High School, Yew Tree Lane, Dukinfield, Cheshire, SK16 5BJ
Closing date: 9am Friday 10th January 2025
Interview date: Thursday 23rd January 2025
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