Brownhill School is a specialist SEMH school in Rochdale for pupils aged 9-16. It is currently federated with Rochdale Pupil Referral Service but from September 2025 they will be defederated. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Headteacher to lead the new school, which will initially have capacity for 100 students, so that it can look forward to a bright future with optimism and is able to meet the needs of learners in a calm, supportive environment in which all can flourish.

The school currently has 87 students on role across two sites, but in September will move to an expanded and refurbished site at Darnhill in Heywood. This will provide an exciting opportunity to expand and also enhance the offer to students and the community of Rochdale and marks a clear step forward towards a new future for the school.

In recent years the school has faced numerous changes of leadership, structural changes, financial pressures, and a challenging Ofsted inspection. The planned changes mark the beginning of a new chapter and the opportunity to transform the educational experiences of the young people and their families. The school community want a Headteacher who shares their optimism and who has the leadership experience, passion for creating fantastic opportunities for its cohort of young people, vision and motivation to lead them to a bright and successful future.

The successful candidate will be a values-based leader and a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, young people and their families. You will have a successful track record as a senior leader, with experience of working with young people with SEMH needs and be a role model for the school community. You must be ambitious for all learners, be optimistic, see barriers as opportunities and lead in a positive way which makes a real difference to learning. Above all, you must share the school’s commitment to ensuring the students are safe, happy and achieve their full potential.

For a confidential discussion about the role, to arrange a visit or to discuss arrangements for making an application, please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments.

T: 07736 791138 E: martin.blair@hays.com.

Further details can also be found at www.hays.co.uk/vacancies/brownhill-school

Closing date – 23.59pm on Tuesday 25th March

Interviews – 1st and 2nd April. Shortlisted candidates will be notified on 28th March

Start date – September 2025

Brownhill School 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 the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check