Assistant Headteacher
| Posting date: | 05 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Leadership Scale L6-L10 (£58,569 - £64,691) |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 June 2026 |
| Location: | Manchester, M7 4YE |
| Company: | The Big Life Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 771 |
Summary
Job Advert
Assistant Headteacher (KS2)
About The Big Life Group
The Big Life Group’s mission is to fight for equity, in health, in wealth and in life. We are a social business delivering a range
of services across the North of England, covering everything from mental and physical health, addiction and criminal justice, to
housing, education, family support and much more. What links them together is the way we work – The Big Life Way.
We always stand shoulder-to shoulder with people, working with them on the things that matter most to them. Everything we do is
designed and informed by the needs, priorities and strengths of people and communities.
Our values
* Courage: We stand up for ourselves, and the people and communities we work alongside, even when that makes us unpopular, or
challenges accepted wisdom.
* Creativity: We find innovative solutions that work, never accepting the easy option or the status quo.
* Honesty: We act with integrity, speaking the truth to ourselves and others.
* Inspiration: We are inspired by the people and communities we work with and share what we learn from them to inspire others.
* Thoughtful: We act with care and compassion and work to understand people’s experiences. We take time to listen, reflect and
continually learn.
* Valuing difference: We recognise and celebrate the unique qualities, gifts, insights and perspectives that different people
offer.
About Unity Community Primary School
Big Life Schools currently has two primary schools within Manchester, each with an attached nursery: Longsight Community Primary
School [https://www.longsightcp.com/] (Longsight) and Unity Community Primary School [http://www.unitycommunityprimary.com/]
(Cheetham Hill).
Unity Community Primary is a two-form entry primary school serving a richly diverse community in Cheetham, North Manchester. Unity
is part of the multi-academy trust Big Life Schools, which shares the vision and values of the Big Life group.
We have nearly 400 pupils aged 2-11, coming from many different countries and speaking 38 different languages. Our pupils are
happy children who love school, and we want to encourage them to have the best possible start in life. We work hard to be a truly
inclusive community. Diversity, respect and tolerance are at the core of our school identity, and we are proud to have the Rights
Respecting Gold Award and the Belonging Matters Charter Mark.
As a school we use trauma-informed approaches to support our children’s emotional health and wellbeing. We also put a great
emphasis on developing positive relationships between every member of our school community.
Candidates are highly encouraged to visit the school and discuss the position with a member of our Senior Leadership. Please ring
the school office on 0161 871 2614 or visit www.unitycommunityprimary.com [http://www.unitycommunityprimary.com] for more
information about our school.
Working at Big Life Schools
Big Life Schools [https://www.biglifeschools.com/] is a Multi-Academy Trust which functions as part of the wider Big Life Group,
and we share those group-led values within our school communities. At Big Life Schools, work is more than a job – it’s about
standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people and communities, making a difference every day. We fight for equity in health, in wealth
and in life, and that commitment starts with our staff.
Be yourself
We want you to feel safe, respected and able to bring your whole self to work. Difference is celebrated here, and our staff
networks - from menopause to neurodiversity, LGBTQI+ and more - create space to connect and support each other.
Benefits that matter
We offer more than a payslip - you’ll find wellbeing support through LifeWorks, Simply Health and mindfulness sessions, your
birthday off, and regular learning opportunities. Everyday perks include Blue Light Card discounts, savings schemes,
cycle-to-work, free eye tests and more - little extras to make life easier inside and outside of work.
Recognised as outstanding
We’re proud to be ranked by Best Companies as one of the UK’s outstanding places to work, with a two-star accreditation in 2024.
Support and progression
We work with all our teaching and support staff to explore ways of reducing workload and improving wellbeing. When joining our
schools, you can expect a range of support from senior leaders, who operate a coaching model, and from the dedicated curriculum
and wellbeing leads.
If you’re looking for more than a job - if you want to be part of a team that’s bold, creative and relentlessly committed to
equity – then Big Life could be the place for you.
The basics
Salary
Leadership Scale L6-L10 (£58,569 - £64,691)
Hours
Full-time school hours, permanent
Annual leave
Term-time only + your birthday off
Base
Unity Community Primary School
Line manager
Headteacher
Closing date for applications: Thursday, 14 May
Interviews: Wednesday, 20 May
What you’ll be doing
As our Assistant Headteacher, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, leading a KS2 phase while maintaining class
teacher responsibilities.
You will play a central role in shaping and delivering the school’s vision, driving high standards of teaching and learning, and
supporting staff to achieve the best outcomes for all pupils. You will lead a core subject across the school and contribute to
whole-school improvement, ensuring that teaching, curriculum and pastoral care are of the highest quality.
This is a dynamic leadership role combining classroom excellence, strategic leadership, staff development and community
engagement.
The Big Life Schools is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS with a check of adults barred list and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974
For the full recruitment pack, including the job description and person specification, go to: Vacancies Archive - The Big Life
Group [https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/work-volunteer/opportunities/]
Please use the pack to align yourself to each point on the person spec.
Assistant Headteacher (KS2)
About The Big Life Group
The Big Life Group’s mission is to fight for equity, in health, in wealth and in life. We are a social business delivering a range
of services across the North of England, covering everything from mental and physical health, addiction and criminal justice, to
housing, education, family support and much more. What links them together is the way we work – The Big Life Way.
We always stand shoulder-to shoulder with people, working with them on the things that matter most to them. Everything we do is
designed and informed by the needs, priorities and strengths of people and communities.
Our values
* Courage: We stand up for ourselves, and the people and communities we work alongside, even when that makes us unpopular, or
challenges accepted wisdom.
* Creativity: We find innovative solutions that work, never accepting the easy option or the status quo.
* Honesty: We act with integrity, speaking the truth to ourselves and others.
* Inspiration: We are inspired by the people and communities we work with and share what we learn from them to inspire others.
* Thoughtful: We act with care and compassion and work to understand people’s experiences. We take time to listen, reflect and
continually learn.
* Valuing difference: We recognise and celebrate the unique qualities, gifts, insights and perspectives that different people
offer.
About Unity Community Primary School
Big Life Schools currently has two primary schools within Manchester, each with an attached nursery: Longsight Community Primary
School [https://www.longsightcp.com/] (Longsight) and Unity Community Primary School [http://www.unitycommunityprimary.com/]
(Cheetham Hill).
Unity Community Primary is a two-form entry primary school serving a richly diverse community in Cheetham, North Manchester. Unity
is part of the multi-academy trust Big Life Schools, which shares the vision and values of the Big Life group.
We have nearly 400 pupils aged 2-11, coming from many different countries and speaking 38 different languages. Our pupils are
happy children who love school, and we want to encourage them to have the best possible start in life. We work hard to be a truly
inclusive community. Diversity, respect and tolerance are at the core of our school identity, and we are proud to have the Rights
Respecting Gold Award and the Belonging Matters Charter Mark.
As a school we use trauma-informed approaches to support our children’s emotional health and wellbeing. We also put a great
emphasis on developing positive relationships between every member of our school community.
Candidates are highly encouraged to visit the school and discuss the position with a member of our Senior Leadership. Please ring
the school office on 0161 871 2614 or visit www.unitycommunityprimary.com [http://www.unitycommunityprimary.com] for more
information about our school.
Working at Big Life Schools
Big Life Schools [https://www.biglifeschools.com/] is a Multi-Academy Trust which functions as part of the wider Big Life Group,
and we share those group-led values within our school communities. At Big Life Schools, work is more than a job – it’s about
standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people and communities, making a difference every day. We fight for equity in health, in wealth
and in life, and that commitment starts with our staff.
Be yourself
We want you to feel safe, respected and able to bring your whole self to work. Difference is celebrated here, and our staff
networks - from menopause to neurodiversity, LGBTQI+ and more - create space to connect and support each other.
Benefits that matter
We offer more than a payslip - you’ll find wellbeing support through LifeWorks, Simply Health and mindfulness sessions, your
birthday off, and regular learning opportunities. Everyday perks include Blue Light Card discounts, savings schemes,
cycle-to-work, free eye tests and more - little extras to make life easier inside and outside of work.
Recognised as outstanding
We’re proud to be ranked by Best Companies as one of the UK’s outstanding places to work, with a two-star accreditation in 2024.
Support and progression
We work with all our teaching and support staff to explore ways of reducing workload and improving wellbeing. When joining our
schools, you can expect a range of support from senior leaders, who operate a coaching model, and from the dedicated curriculum
and wellbeing leads.
If you’re looking for more than a job - if you want to be part of a team that’s bold, creative and relentlessly committed to
equity – then Big Life could be the place for you.
The basics
Salary
Leadership Scale L6-L10 (£58,569 - £64,691)
Hours
Full-time school hours, permanent
Annual leave
Term-time only + your birthday off
Base
Unity Community Primary School
Line manager
Headteacher
Closing date for applications: Thursday, 14 May
Interviews: Wednesday, 20 May
What you’ll be doing
As our Assistant Headteacher, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, leading a KS2 phase while maintaining class
teacher responsibilities.
You will play a central role in shaping and delivering the school’s vision, driving high standards of teaching and learning, and
supporting staff to achieve the best outcomes for all pupils. You will lead a core subject across the school and contribute to
whole-school improvement, ensuring that teaching, curriculum and pastoral care are of the highest quality.
This is a dynamic leadership role combining classroom excellence, strategic leadership, staff development and community
engagement.
The Big Life Schools is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS with a check of adults barred list and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974
For the full recruitment pack, including the job description and person specification, go to: Vacancies Archive - The Big Life
Group [https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/work-volunteer/opportunities/]
Please use the pack to align yourself to each point on the person spec.