Unqualified Teacher

New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust is a vibrant, aspirational and inclusive multi-academy trust of eight special schools and two specialist post-16 provisions across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale. As part of the wider New Bridge Group there are also two post-19 provisions. Our settings support a wide spectrum of needs from age 4–19 and beyond. The Trust is proud to be national leaders in Special Education and has a culture of creating outstanding opportunities for all.

Thomas Ashton School is entering an exciting phase of development, and we are looking for a passionate, resilient and committed practitioner to join our team. The role will require a relational, trauma-informed approach, that offers a distinct opportunity to support pupils at different stages of their educational journey.

Our pupils have complex needs, including significant SEMH challenges, and many have experienced trauma, disruption and inconsistency in their lives. As a result, the ability to provide calm, predictable and consistent support every day is essential.

At the heart of our approach is unconditional positive regard, the belief that every child deserves dignity, consistency, safety and an adult who will remain alongside them, even in their most challenging moments.

At every level, you will model a relational, trauma-informed approach that prioritises learning, inclusion, emotional wellbeing and the consistent boundaries and routines that help children feel safe and succeed.

We are seeking a Professional who:

• Understands the complex barriers faced by pupils with SEMH needs
• Can lead with warmth, integrity and high expectations

• Is confident balancing accountability with humanity

• Has the resilience to lead in complexity and the humility to listen
• Is a team player who can work effectively with all members of the Thomas Ashton Team.
  

Can you:

• Deliver a curriculum in ways that reduce anxiety, build confidence and promote genuine mastery, including using the outdoors and local community as your classroom.
• Demonstrate a nurturing approach to behaviour management and an understanding of complex needs and SEMH.
• Regularly monitor and assess the progress of pupils, ensuring their improved engagement with the school and their learning

• Model and encourage appropriate social behaviour in and out of school and to cater for the

general welfare of pupils

Experience in SEMH, alternative provision or similarly challenging contexts is highly valued, but above all we are looking for someone whose values align with our mission. This is not simply joining a school it is helping create the next chapter of a specialist SEMH provision within the highly respected New Bridge MAT.

We offer:

• A values driven, relational culture

• High-quality CPD through the Trust’s Everyone Learning Team

• Opportunities to influence practice beyond your own school

• A supportive leadership team who believe in thoughtful, ethical accountability

• Pension scheme, Trust TOIL scheme, HSF and wellbeing benefits

New Bridge MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must have a commitment to safeguarding young people. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and references will be sought prior to interview.

This post will be subject to a number of pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. It will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here.

For successful candidates, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Salary: Unqualified Teachers’ Pay Scale + SEN allowance (£2,885 per annum)

Status: Permanent

Based: Thomas Ashton School (Lower) Lumb Lane, Audenshaw, M34 5SF

Commencing: 1st January 2027

Hours of work: 32.5 hours per week

Closing Date: Thursday 5th Nov 2026 (9am)

Shortlisting: Thursday 5th Nov 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 11th /Thursday 12th November 2026

For visits or further information, please contact: info@thomasashton.org

Completed application forms (attached below) via email to: recruitment@newbridgegroup.org