Meadowbank Primary School

Formby Avenue

Atherton

Manchester

M46 0HX


Leadership Pay Spine L9 - L13

Full Time

Required for January 2026


NOR 200 plus 78 place nursery


Meadowbank Primary and Nursery School is an excellent, oversubscribed, exciting, and inclusive mainstream primary school. Located in a deprived catchment, our school is a happy, caring, respectful, and hardworking environment where skilled staff nurture each pupil to recognise their true potential and talents. We also proudly offer a Nursery class and a Resource Provision for 8 pupils with SEMH, ASC, and S&L needs as well as having an onsite family hub. Our pupils make exceptional academic progress, often from highly challenging beginnings, supported by our bespoke ‘Meadowbank Curriculum’ that enriches their cultural capital and prepares them for lifelong success. Meadowbank is a great school in which to learn and to work.


Deputy Headteacher

Are you a passionate and visionary leader ready to make a real difference in a very special primary school? Meadowbank Primary School is seeking a dynamic Deputy Headteacher to join our dedicated leadership team and support the continued growth and success of our thriving school community.

About the Role

This non-teaching leadership position offers a unique opportunity to provide strategic direction and operational management alongside a forward thinking and experienced headteacher. As Deputy Headteacher, you will play a vital role in shaping our school’s vision, driving educational excellence, supporting staff development, and fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment where every pupil can flourish.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership and oversee the day-to-day management of the school, ensuring alignment with Meadowbank’s vision, values, and objectives.
  • Lead and support educational leadership initiatives, including monitoring pupil progress, curriculum planning, and continuous improvement of teaching and learning.
  • Champion pupil welfare and behaviour management, promoting a safe, supportive, and restorative culture that enables all pupils and staff to thrive.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, stakeholders, and the wider community, representing Meadowbank at local and national events.
  • Support the professional growth of teachers and staff through coaching, mentoring, and targeted professional growth development.
  • Assist the headteacher in maintaining a cohesive leadership team and ensuring smooth operational management across all school functions.
  • Be a visible and approachable presence for pupils, staff, and the community, providing continuity and stability in the headteacher’s absence.
  • Undertake Deputy DSL responsibilities and support the Headteacher and Pastoral Manager to ensure safeguarding is the school’s main priority.


Required Qualifications and Experience

  • Proven leadership experience in a primary school setting, with a strong understanding of strategic school management.
  • Demonstrable success in driving educational outcomes and supporting curriculum development.
  • Experience in behaviour management and promoting pupil welfare within a trauma-informed or inclusive environment.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with staff, pupils, parents, and community partners.
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff, fostering a collaborative and positive working culture.
  • Strong organisational skills to manage the diverse and dynamic demands of school leadership.

Desirable Qualities

  • A values-led approach to leadership, committed to inclusion, wellbeing, and restorative practises.
  • Experience working in a school with specialist provisions for SEMH, ASC, or S&L pupils.
  • Passion for professional development and a commitment to continuous improvement.
  • A collaborative mindset, eager to contribute to Meadowbank’s ongoing success and innovation.

Salary

  • Leadership Pay Scale L9 L13 (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Why Join Meadowbank Primary School?

  • Join a school with an outstanding learning environment and a strong reputation for excellence and cultural enrichment and opportunities.
  • Work within a trauma-informed teaching approach that places pupil wellbeing at its heart.
  • Experience a homely, inclusive school culture where every pupil and staff member is valued.
  • Collaborate with an exceptional, supportive, and hardworking staff team led by a wellbeing-focused headteacher.
  • Benefit from a non-teaching deputy head post, allowing you to focus fully on leadership and strategic development.
  • Be part of a school with a restorative behaviour policy and a commitment to positive pupil engagement.
  • Access excellent professional growth opportunities and CPD, supported by a dedicated middle leadership team.
  • Join a school that values an Outdoor play and learning approach and a broad, bespoke curriculum tailored to meet pupils’ needs.
  • Access varied opportunities for broadening your leadership experiences through strong local and national connections such as Athos collective, Edroundtables, Manchester United, Ineos School, YESfest and many more.

If you are ready to lead with passion, integrity, and vision, and want to make a lasting impact on the lives of our pupils and community, we would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are encouraged and warmly welcomed.


Apply now to become Deputy Headteacher at Meadowbank Primary School and help us continue to inspire, nurture, and empower our pupils to achieve their very best.


Applications forms and further particulars are available from the School Business Manager,

Mrs Jennifer Parkinson.

Email: bman@admin.meadowbank.wigan.sch.uk


Letters in support of applications should clearly indicate your suitability for this post and be no more than three sides of A4 font size 12.


Applications forms are returnable to the school

Closing date: Midnight 07.09.2025

Interview date: Week commencing 15.09.2025

This post is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures and a Children’s Barred List check.

Wigan Council and the School Governing Body are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

To view the details relating to this position and to access the application form, please click the links below:

↗ Application Form
↗ Introduction Letter
↗ Job Description
↗ Person Specification
↗ DBS Policy Statement Schools
↗ Guidance for Safer Work Practices
↗ Childcare Disqualification Requirements

Calculate your take home pay. Use this service to estimate how much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay for the current tax year.

Employment could affect your benefits, find out more here. Turn2us Benefits Calculator.

Location

Formby Avenue, Atherton, Wigan, M46 0HX, United Kingdom

Job ID

1810

Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Journey

We want every candidate to feel welcomed, informed and confident when applying for a role with us.

This section brings together everything you need to succeed - from guidance on writing an authentic application to and understanding how to use AI responsibly.

You’ll also find information about our Greater Manchester commitments, including our inclusive employment schemes and standards, as well as tools to help you explore your potential pay, benefits and entitlements. We’re here to ensure you have the support you need at every stage.

Working for a local authority in Greater Manchester

Local authorities across Greater Manchester are proud to be part of a shared commitment to widening access to employment and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

These commitments span a number of long‑standing schemes and initiatives designed to open doors, remove barriers and ensure all applicants feel valued and respected throughout their employment journey.

Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

People in an urban setting with a car, buildings, and recycling bin.

Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

Find out more

Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Cityscape with people, aircraft and military vehicles.

Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Find out more

Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

People, buildings, and a van in a purple cityscape.

Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

Find out more

Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards

People with disabilities and different backgrounds in a community

Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards

Find out more

Your Pay, Your Benefits, Your Future

Explore easy‑to‑use tools that help you understand your take‑home pay and how different employment situations may affect the financial support available to you and your household.

  1. Calculate Your Take‑Home Pay

    Use this salary calculator to estimate your net pay after tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.

    Estimate your Income Tax for the current year (Gov.uk)

  2. Check Your Benefits Entitlement

    See how changes in employment, hours or salary may affect your benefits and household income.

    Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Applying Authentically With AI: Our Greater Manchester Approach

Across Greater Manchester’s local authorities, we want to hear your genuine experiences, skills and motivations, expressed in your own words.

To keep our recruitment process fair and inclusive, please complete your application personally and follow the instructions carefully. AI can be used to support you - for example, to help structure your answers or as a reasonable adjustment - but your application should still reflect your authentic voice. If you do use AI as a support tool, a brief explanation helps us ensure an equitable selection process.

Applications that depend too heavily on AI‑generated content may not progress to shortlisting.

This guidance outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI, along with suggestions for using it in a way that supports you while keeping your application true to you.

  1. What Is AI and How Do We Use It Across Greater Manchester?

    AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.

    We’re open to using innovative digital tools where they can help us work smarter and deliver better services for our residents. However, every use of AI is carefully considered to make sure it is ethical, responsible, and aligned with public-sector values.

    When it comes to recruitment, we take a human-centred approach.

    This means:

    • A trained hiring manager reads every application

    • Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job

    • Interviews are conducted in person or via teams by the hiring manager for the role

    • All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms

    AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.

    Our aim isn’t to catch anyone out but to make sure we’re getting to know the real you, giving every candidate a fair chance and finding the right person for the role.

  2. Using AI in Your Application

    When it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team. 

    We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.

    We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

  3. How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly

    Your application is your chance to show us:

    • Who you are

    • What you can bring

    • The values you hold

    • Why you want to make a difference

    AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.

    AI is most helpful when used to:

    • Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria

    • Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

    • Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors

    • Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something

    But remember: your honesty, lived experience, and motivations are irreplaceable.

  4. Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process

    Do:

    • Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement

    • Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure

    • Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice

    • Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience

    • Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself

    Don’t:

    • Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application

    • Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have

    • Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements

    • Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice