Headteacher Secondary
The governors of Ashton Community Science College are seeking to appoint an inspirational Headteacher who has the vision and passion to further improve our school and continue the school’s work in making a difference to the life chances of its young people and community. The vacancy arises because our long-serving Headteacher is retiring.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of a school with a firmly established commitment to inclusion, achievement and ambition for all. We are the only school in Lancashire to have 2 specially designated units; one for deaf children and one for children with speech, language and communication needs, in addition to our mainstream provision. Inclusion lies at the heart of all we do. We firmly believe that all our students deserve the very best opportunities that school can provide within and beyond the taught curriculum and we strive to ensure every member of the school community can and should make their contribution to ensure we remain “a school to be proud of”.
We are looking for someone who:
- is an experienced senior leader with a proven track record of school improvement, including securing positive outcomes for young people;
- has an absolute commitment to raising our already good standards even higher;
- believes that all children can achieve, fulfill and develop their potential;
- possesses the enthusiasm, energy and dedication to lead our school to further success;
- is passionate about raising achievement and has the personal qualities and skills to change young people's lives for the better;
- will lead the school and its community with inspiration and creativity into its next stage of development;
- will support continual staff development, allowing our already talented and ambitious staff to grow further both professionally and personally.
We are proud to offer:
- enthusiastic and motivated students, staff and governors;
- an experienced, collaborative and driven senior leadership team;
- a caring, inclusive and supportive environment where learning thrives and everyone matters;
- an ethos where we support every student to develop and fulfill their aspirations.
The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to work with us to build on our significant recent successes and achieve the best outcomes for our students thus enabling us to remain ‘a school to be proud of”.
We believe that Ashton Community Science College is an extraordinary school. If you would like to visit the school prior to making an application, time has been set aside from 9 -10.00 am on Tuesday 20th January and from 2 – 3.00 pm on Thursday 22nd January to facilitate this. Please contact Miss Glenda Harrison (Headteacher’s PA) at gharrison@ashtoncsc.com if you would like to visit us on one of these days.
Please refer to our website for additional information to support your application: https://www.ashtoncsc.lancs.sch.uk/
Applications to be submitted to schoolsrecruitment@lancashire.gov.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: 12 noon, Thursday 29th January 2026
Interview dates: Tuesday 10th February 2026 and Wednesday 11th February 2026
Ashton Community Science College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Pre-employment checks will be carried out and references will be sought. Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates. We can only consider applications from those legally entitled to work in the UK. Please note that only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.