0.6 FTE (3 Days per Week) - Fixed Term  for 1 Year

Headteacher Welcome

Thank you for your interest in joining Whalley Range High School, a proud all-girls community close to the heart of Manchester. We are a school serving young women, removing barriers to learning, promoting equality and inclusion, and working in partnership with our community to ensure every student can thrive.

As Headteacher, my connection to Whalley Range is both professional and personal. I began my career here as an early career teacher, and it has been a privilege to grow alongside this community.

is not just an aspiration; it is our daily purpose. We believe that when young women are supported to realise their potential, they become powerful agents of change, enabling them to strengthen their communities and contribute positively to society. 

As part of the Greater Manchester Education Trust, our values of Excellence, Care and Respect guide every interaction and every decision. These values reflect our belief that exceptional education must go hand-in- hand with compassion, equity and a deep respect for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students.

We serve a richly diverse community, with over half of our students eligible for pupil premium. This shapes our mission and strengthens our resolve. We work relentlessly to remove structural barriers, close gaps, and ensure that every student—regardless of her starting point—has access to the highest standard of teaching, tailored support and inspiring opportunities.

Our commitment to equality and empowerment is reflected not only in our ethos but in the consistently strong outcomes our students achieve. Year after year, they progress confidently into further study, a testament to the dedication of our staff, the ambition of our young women and our shared belief that everyone deserves opportunity, regardless of their starting point. These sustained outcomes, alongside our reputation for high-quality teaching and support, have established us as the largest Sixth Form in the area. Our Sixth Form offers ambitious pathways within a culture that promotes independence, aspiration and leadership, ensuring our students take their next steps with clarity and confidence.

If you are passionate about empowering young women, driven by a commitment to inclusion and equality, and motivated by the chance to make a meaningful difference to the community we serve, then Whalley Range High School is a place where you will thrive. Here, you will join a dedicated, caring and forward-thinking team who work every day to transform lives—and who will support you in your own professional growth.

Thank you again for considering joining our school community. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to Whalley Range High School.

About the Role

As Head of Food and Design Technology, you will provide strategic and professional leadership that drives high‑quality teaching, curriculum ambition and strong student outcomes across the faculty. You will ensure that teaching is consistently effective, evidence‑informed and aligned with whole‑school principles, while overseeing the development and delivery of a well‑sequenced, ambitious curriculum that supports progression for all learners. The role includes responsibility for curriculum planning, assessment, quality improvement and the effective use of resources to secure excellent learning experiences.

You will lead and inspire a committed team, producing a Faculty Development Plan, line‑managing staff, and shaping a culture of collaboration, high expectations and continuous improvement. You will oversee CPD, support new staff and trainees, and ensure that curriculum and assessment meet statutory requirements and reflect best practice. This is a key leadership role within a forward‑thinking school, contributing to whole‑school development and modelling the values of Excellence, Care and Respect.

About You

You will be an experienced and effective classroom practitioner with a strong track record of securing positive outcomes for students. You will bring secure subject knowledge, an understanding of curriculum and assessment design, and the ability to use data to identify trends, plan interventions and drive progress. You will be confident in leading others, supporting their development and holding them to account where needed.

You will be a reflective, resilient leader who values diversity, promotes equal opportunities and acts as a positive role model for students and colleagues. Strong communication skills, a collaborative approach and a commitment to ongoing professional development are essential. You will be motivated by improving outcomes for young people and ready to contribute to a supportive, ambitious and inclusive school community.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment

Full details about the role and the qualifications, experience, and attributes required can be found in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Why Join Us?

“Staff appreciate how leaders and governors are developing ways to protect them from excessive workload.”

“Staff expect high standards of conduct. Pupils are well behaved in lessons and around the school site.”

We strive for excellence in everything we do. At GMET, every role, from teaching to support, is valued. You’ll be supported and empowered to grow within a trust where our core values guide our work with learners, colleagues, families, and the wider community.

We invest in our people. As part of GMET, you’ll benefit from a wide range of employee benefits designed to support your health and wellbeing, help you save money, and make your salary go further including:

• A warm, inclusive, and supportive school culture 
• High expectations for all learners and staff 
• A strong focus on wellbeing and professional development 
• Opportunities to innovate and collaborate across the trust 
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and accessibility 
• Tailored CPD and coaching 
• Trust-wide networks and learning communities 
• Leadership development pathways 
• Access to wellbeing resources and flexible working options

How to Apply

1. Register or log in to MyNewTerm 
2. Complete the application form 
3. Include a personal statement tailored to the role
4. Submit your application before the deadline 

We are committed to safeguarding, child protection and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All roles are subject to: 

• Enhanced DBS checks 
• Reference and identity verification 
• Compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)