Deputy Headteacher - (Thornycroft SEN School - Oldham)
Pro only
Salary
Pro sees the advertised pay
—
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2316 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 59% sure that is the right code. HORIZON CARE AND EDUCATION SERVICES LIMITED is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
This could also be SOC 2321 (Head teachers and principals) or SOC 2313 (Secondary education teaching professionals). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2316 Special and additional needs education teaching professionals Most likely code | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears |
2321 Head teachers and principals Also possible | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears |
2313 Secondary education teaching professionals Also possible | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Job Introduction
Deputy Headteacher — Thornycroft School
Join us to make a real difference for pupils with SEMH. This is a rare leadership opportunity in a caring, ambitious independent special school where your strategic vision and hands‑on leadership will shape high‑quality, local specialist provision across Oldham and Greater Manchester.
About Thornycroft School
Thornycroft School is an independent specialist day school for pupils aged 5–19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Part of the Horizon Care & Education Group, we are opening with a carefully managed, phased growth model so that staffing, therapeutic support and curriculum pathways develop sustainably alongside pupil needs. Our aim is to provide locally available, high‑quality placements that reduce out‑of‑area provision and support lasting, positive outcomes for young people.
Our vision: a nurturing school community where we inspire and learn together. We are committed to developing well‑rounded, confident and responsible individuals through a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment. Our core values are Compassionate, Inspiring, Dependable and Collaborative.
Please submit a covering letter with CV when applying
About the role
We are seeking an experienced, passionate Deputy Headteacher who will be a trusted senior leader and key partner to the Headteacher in shaping Thornycroft’s curriculum, pastoral offer and day‑to‑day running. This is a hands‑on leadership post where you will:
- Lead curriculum design to create a bespoke curriculum that ensures every pupil’s needs are met and that builds a clear, sequenced pathway from engagement to accreditation and preparation for adulthood.
- Build an inclusive curriculum that enables pupils to flourish, gain confidence and develop the skills needed for their next steps.
- Lead teaching and learning across the school to secure quality first teaching through coaching, mentoring and professional development for staff.
This role offers the opportunity to influence provision from an early stage and to shape a school culture rooted in therapeutic practice, ambition and inclusion.
About you — the ideal candidate
We are looking for a deputy leader who combines professional expertise with a warm and decisive leadership style. You will be:
- A qualified teacher with QTS or QTLS and experience of senior leadership (SLT) in an SEN/SEMH context.
- Confident in curriculum design and assessment, skilled at translating EHCP outcomes into personalised learning pathways.
- Committed to building an inclusive curriculum that enables pupils to flourish and prepares them for positive next steps.
- Experienced in leading teaching and learning through coaching and mentoring to secure consistent, high‑quality classroom practice.
- Skilled in behaviour leadership, restorative practice and multi‑agency working, with up‑to‑date safeguarding knowledge.
- A visible role model who embodies and promotes our core values—compassionate, inspiring, dependable and collaborative—across staff, pupils and families.
- Committed to staff development, coaching and building a strong, inclusive team culture.
- Ambitious for pupils’ outcomes and experienced in planning for successful transitions and preparation for adulthood.
We welcome applications from leaders who bring evidence‑based practice, creativity and a collaborative spirit. We encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.
What we offer
- A meaningful leadership role within a specialist school focused on high‑impact provision and local placements.
- Support from Horizon’s Central Team including Director of Education and Director of SEND.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the Horizon group.
- Access to Horizon employee benefits via OneHorizon (including wellbeing resources, discount programmes and staff support schemes).
- A supportive, values‑led working environment where pupil welfare and staff wellbeing are priorities.
Practical details
- Salary: £65,277 – £72,032
- Contract: Senior leadership role within an independent special school (Thornycroft School)
- Closing date: 15 October 2026
- How to apply: Please submit a CV and a covering letter to [email protected]
- Application requirements: CV and Covering Letter
Thornycroft School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide evidence of qualifications and identity.
We welcome applicants who will contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Come and help us build a nurturing, inspiring place where young people with SEMH can thrive.
Closing date for this role will be 16th October
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with HORIZON CARE AND EDUCATION SERVICES LIMITED, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Special and additional needs education teaching professionals (SOC 2316) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~34k in sample- Middle half £38,480–54,548
- Median £48,932
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Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. HORIZON CARE AND EDUCATION SERVICES LIMITED holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
Skilled Worker roles must clear both the general salary threshold and the occupation-specific going rate. See our occupation eligibility guide for the current figures.