Associate Assistant Principal - Science

Marsden Heights Community College · BB9, North West

Closing date: 22 November 2026 at 5pm19 days left
Salary: £65,712.00 - £75,669.00 Annually (FTE) Leadership Pay Scales
Role: Assistant headteacher
Posted: 28 October 2026

Edge End Lane

Nelson

Lancashire

BB9 0PR

Read the full advert and apply⁠

You apply on the DfE Teaching Vacancies service advert, not here.

Job description

This role requires a dynamic educator who can deliver engaging and innovative lessons to inspire pupils of all abilities and create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. The successful candidate will be committed to bringing out ‘the best in everyone’, enabling all students to achieve their full potential. The role will also involve contributing to the ongoing development of the department and the wider school community. We are looking for a collaborative professional who is dedicated to high standards of teaching and learning and who will play an active part in the continued success of the school. This is an exciting opportunity to join not only a thriving school but also a very high performing Trust with a national profile. You will benefit from working as part of a dynamic, forward-thinking SLT and benefit from a wealth of support from the United Learning Trust subject association. We are seeking to appoint an Associate Assistant Principal to join the senior leadership team at Marsden Heights Community College, with strategic responsibility for Science across the school. This is a key leadership role, suited to an outstanding practitioner with a strong track record of securing excellent outcomes in Science and demonstrating impactful leadership in their current role. The successful candidate will support the Head of Science in leading the Science Department while also contributing to wider whole‑school Quality of Education priorities. This role would suit an ambitious leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for students and who is keen to develop their leadership skills through broader senior responsibilities. You will be a confident and reflective leader, never complacent, constantly evaluating what is working and where further refinement or change is needed. Commitment, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate ideas into sustained impact will be essential for success. The Science department at Marsden Heights Community College is a strong and committed team, supported by effective leadership, including a Head of Department, Second in Department and a TLR holder. As Associate Assistant Principal, you will support the Head of Science in leading a team dedicated to improving life chances for our students through raising academic achievement. As a senior leader, you will be a visible and influential presence across the academy, building positive relationships with staff, students, and wider stakeholders. You will lead with confidence and integrity, demonstrating a clear belief in the power of education to transform lives. With high expectations for achievement, character, and conduct, you will lead by example, inspire colleagues, and support them to deliver excellence for every student. Specific Areas of responsibility for the Associate Assistant Principal for Science: This will be a key role in the strategic leadership of our academy in the relentless pursuit of our ambition to become an outstanding academy. The strategic leadership of Numeracy and attainment across all year group. To work with the SLT in developing the strategic plan for the development of resilient and independent learners at the academy. You will be an experienced teacher with Qualified Teacher Status, who consistently delivers good to outstanding lessons, or an early career teacher with the potential to be an exceptional practitioner. You will have strong interpersonal skills, sound behaviour management skills and have the highest expectations for what our pupils can achieve. Above all, you will be committed to helping every child fulfil their potential and to bringing out ‘the best in everyone’ and playing an active role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils. Marsden Heights Community College is part of United Learning, a growing group of schools whose aim is to provide excellent education to children and young people across the country. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and rewarded. As part of United Learning, we offer opportunities and a benefits package beyond that of an individual school. We’re proud to offer ‘more pay, more time, and more support’. We offer the best pay in the sector, three extra INSET days dedicated to planning and professional development, one paid personal leave day each year during term time. We place a high priority on developing our staff. Every employee benefits from a supportive annual review process with a tailored programme of personal development. We also facilitate a wide range of professional networks, enabling colleagues to collaborate, share best practice and learn from colleagues in similar roles. We are committed to supporting your wellbeing. Flexible working is available where roles allow, alongside a comprehensive range of benefits including enhanced parental leave, access to a health cash plan (following 6 months’ service) employee assistance and wellbeing programmes, and free flu vaccines. Further information about our rewards and benefits can be found at - www.unitedlearning.org.uk/careers/rewards-and-benefits. If you enjoy a varied role and take pride in making a difference, we’d love to hear from you! If you would like to arrange an informal conversation or visit the school, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch using the details below.

School at a glance

Marsden Heights Community College

Type: Academy sponsor led
Phase: Secondary
Age range: 11 to 16
Local authority: Lancashire
Region: North West
Religious character: Does not apply
Website: www.marsdenheights.co.uk⁠ (opens in a new tab)

The school's record on Get Information About Schools⁠ (opens in a new tab)

Published school data

Showing 6 of 32 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Published school data: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition b82db944-44bb-421e-ad2c-11aa1c5ccbd1 · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file	2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition 4a6546b8-8677-4193-9f09-6af01ab6072c · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file	2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2024/25 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2023/24 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition 79b26d03-8e91-4acf-9a3a-ab13e78aea0a · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact

Local area context

Showing 6 of 25 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Local area context: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2031/32 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E10000017 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2030/31 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E10000017 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E10000017 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E10000017 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E10000017 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E10000017 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.

Showing 14 of 26 published figures, up to three per group. Open each source for the full published data.

Pupils

School places (SCAP): 1,0502024/25
Source and value: School places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 1050. Display values may be rounded.
Published school capacity survey places, including sixth form and excluding nursery places; not the current GIAS capacity.
DfE: School capacity — school
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
Pupils on roll (SCAP): 1,0422024/25
Source and value: Pupils on roll (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 1042. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: School capacity — school
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
Unfilled places (SCAP): 82024/25
Source and value: Unfilled places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 8. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: School capacity — school
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year

Attendance and behaviour

Overall absence: 6.7%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Overall absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 6.71053%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
Persistent absence: 18.5%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Persistent absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 18.50139%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
Permanent exclusions: 02024/25
Source and value: Permanent exclusions, 2024/25, Academic year, 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Published value: 0. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England
Source dated 9 July 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Academic year

Staff

Teachers (headcount): 452025/26
Source and value: Teachers (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 45. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Teachers (FTE): 43.72025/26
Source and value: Teachers (FTE), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 43.71. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Leadership (headcount): 72025/26
Source and value: Leadership (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 7. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year

Results

KS4: Attainment 8: 41.52025/26
Source and value: KS4: Attainment 8, 2025/26, Academic year · Provisional, 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Published value: 41.5. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 4 performance tables
Source dated 28 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Academic year · Provisional
KS4: English and maths at grade 5 or above: 41.1%2025/26
Source and value: KS4: English and maths at grade 5 or above, 2025/26, Academic year · Provisional, 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Published value: 41.1%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 4 performance tables
Source dated 28 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Academic year · Provisional

Money

Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium: £417,4502026/27
Source and value: Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Published value: 417450. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level deprivation FSM6 allocation only; excludes looked-after and previously looked-after children, alternative-provision census allocations and service pupil premium. This is not total pupil premium.
DfE: Published school deprivation FSM6 pupil premium
Source dated 23 September 2026.
Published file
Current conditions of grant
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Financial year
Devolved formula capital: £21,6682026/27
Source and value: Devolved formula capital, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Published value: 21668.13. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations
Source dated 14 May 2026.
Published file
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Financial year
Income per pupil: £9,1782025
Source and value: Income per pupil, 2025, Reporting year ending, response-sha256:ff6684bfe16fd6f7866bfb46d326779177bbfc17c66f52f72d19160e914f49ba
Published value: 9177.851334604386. Display values may be rounded.
DfE Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool: CFR/AAR income per pupil
Published file
Publication version: response-sha256:ff6684bfe16fd6f7866bfb46d326779177bbfc17c66f52f72d19160e914f49ba
Reporting year ending

Official school links

Marsden Heights Community College · Predecessor · 2018-08-31GIAS · 3 November 2026

These are separate school records. Their figures are not combined.

Part of UNITED LEARNING TRUST (Multi-academy trust)

Latest Ofsted inspection

Graded inspection (previous framework)
Inspected 3 October 2023, published 26 November 2023 · Academy First Section 5 · number 10290342
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding is effective
Yes
Ofsted's inspection reports for this school⁠ (opens in a new tab)

Sources

Get Information About Schools (Department for Education) (opens in a new tab) · 3 November 2026
Ofsted monthly management information: state-funded schools, latest inspections (opens in a new tab) · 30 September 2026
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations (opens in a new tab) · 2026/27 · Financial year · 14 May 2026
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · 15 October 2026
DfE: School capacity — school (opens in a new tab) · 2024/25 · Academic year · 20 March 2026
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 4 June 2026
DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England (opens in a new tab) · 2024/25 · Academic year · 9 July 2026
DfE: Pupil to teacher ratios (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 17 August 2026

7 further sources are not listed here; displayed figures retain their own source links.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Prepare for your interview

Vacancies are from the DfE Teaching Vacancies service (opens in a new tab), as the school published them. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.