Assistant Head of School

An exceptional opportunity to contribute to the continued development of a thriving special school.

George Hastwell School, part of The Eden Academy Trust, is looking to appoint an Assistant Head of School. The position will commence in September 2026 or earlier if possible.

“An enriching journey to individual success”

George Hastwell School, a caring and inclusive special school on the beautiful Furness Peninsula in Barrow-in-Furness, is looking to appoint an Assistant Head of School. The position will commence Easter 2026.

As part of the Eden Academy Trust, we focus on our people and have the leadership capacity and expertise to develop the role to support your experience, needs and aspirations. 

We are a school with heart and ambition, serving children and young people aged 3–19 with a wide range of additional needs. Our dedicated staff are committed to providing a nurturing, individualised, and ambitious education that empowers every pupil to thrive.

What makes George Hastwell special?

• ·       A truly inclusive ethos where every pupil is valued for who they are.
• ·       Skilled, passionate staff who work collaboratively and supportively.
• ·       Strong partnerships with families and the local community.
• ·       An increasingly well-resourced environment with excellent facilities tailored to our pupils.
• ·       A commitment to continuous development, innovation, and high-quality education.

We are looking for an excellent practitioner who has:

• ·       a strong understanding of special educational needs and effective practice
• ·       the ability to build strong, positive relationships with pupils, staff, families, and external partners
• ·       the resilience, adaptability, and creativity to lead in a unique and evolving context
• ·       a genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with complex needs.

The Role

The Assistant Head of School will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the school and ensuring the highest standards of provision.

Responsibilities include:

• ·       Providing professional leadership and management to ensure the effective day-to-day organisation of teaching, learning, and pastoral support.

• ·       Leading on safeguarding.

• ·       Modelling excellent classroom practice through maintaining an appropriate teaching commitment.

• ·       Supporting the Head of School in day-to-day leadership and operational duties.

• ·       Leading on securing high-quality education for all pupils and driving continual improvement in standards.

In return, we offer:

• ·       A supportive and experienced leadership team.
• ·       Opportunities for professional learning and development across a growing Trust.
• ·       A committed and talented staff and a strong community of families.
• ·       A school that is proud of its inclusive, respectful, and aspirational ethos.
• ·       A comprehensive benefits package.
• ·       A collaborative family of schools.
• ·       Specialist support from the Trust’s central teams including Finance, HR and IT.

Why Barrow?

Barrow-in-Furness may be off the beaten track, but it offers a unique quality of life: access to stunning countryside and coastline, affordable living, and a tight-knit community. We believe this is more than a job, it is a chance to lead with purpose in a setting where your impact is truly felt.

Ready to make a real difference?

We warmly welcome visits to the school so you can see for yourself what makes George Hastwell School such a special place to work and lead.

To express your interest or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact Nicola Bower, Head of School by emailing:  nicolabower@georgehastwell.org.uk

George Hastwell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, an enhanced DBS check including the barred list will be required for the successful candidate and other procedures and checks will be followed as laid out in our Safeguarding Policy