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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and ensure the school meets all regulatory standards.
- Company: Join a small independent school focused on nurturing and re-engaging students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and additional benefits to support your role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while fostering a supportive educational environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for student development are essential.
- Other info: This role is perfect for those looking to shape the future of education.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are working on behalf of a small independent school, offering a nurturing and structured environment to help them re-engage with education and prepare for reintegration into mainstream settings.
Title: Head of School
Salary: £35,000 to £45,000 plus benefits
Responsibilities:
- Lead the day-to-day operational management of the school, ensuring it remains inspection-ready and meets all statutory requirements.
- Oversee staff, student outcomes, curriculum delivery, and pastoral care.
- Ensure adherence to school policies and contribute to a positive learning environment.
- Deliver a broad, engaging, and high-quality curriculum.
- Actively promote the school\’s values and achievements within the wider community.
- Develop and sustain a strong extra-curricular offer.
Who We\’re Looking For
You\’ll be someone who brings passion, leadership, and strategic insight to your role:
- Engagement Skills: A talent for inspiring learners and fostering ambition.
- Emotional Insight: Deep empathy and commitment to supporting young people
- Academic Background: A degree in a relevant subject.
- Teaching Qualifications: QTS or QTLS (or equivalent); NPQH is desirable.
- Leadership Experience: Strong experience at SLT, Head of Department, or Headteacher level-ideally in alternative provision.
- Curriculum Strength: Strong understanding of English, Maths, and Science
- Sector Knowledge: Familiar with Independent School Standards, alternative provision, and learners with SEN.
Benefits
- Wellbeing Support: Access to fitness, yoga, mindfulness content and counselling services.
- Admin Light
- Generous Holidays & Flexibility
- Professional Development: Approximately £3.5k invested per colleague last year.
- Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance
- Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave.
- Health & Wellbeing Cashback
- Recognition Awards, discounts & Rewards
- Referral Bonus: £500 per person
- Senior Leadership Access
Important Notice
Dovetail and Slate is a market leading education recruitment company. We specialise in hiring across the entire spectrum of education, including positions in student support and support services. With our extensive range of roles, we are confident we can find the right match for you, so if the current vacancy does not seem relevant to your expertise, we welcome you to upload your CV or give us a call to discuss your ideal position, with our dedicated team.
Dovetail and Slate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, applicants, and clients to share this commitment.
This role may involve work with under 18\’s or vulnerable adults. Any appointment will be made subject to strict vetting and screening checks and receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. Dovetail and Slate ltd acts as an Employment Agency (perm) and an Employment Business (temp/contract).
Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.
Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.
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Head of School employer: Dovetail And Slate Limited
Contact Detail:
Dovetail And Slate Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by independent schools, especially those focused on re-engaging students. Understanding these issues will help you demonstrate your commitment and insight during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, particularly those who have experience in leadership roles within similar settings. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the school and how you would implement effective strategies for operational management. Having a clear plan will show your proactive approach and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the school's ethos and values thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your personal philosophy aligns with theirs will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of School position. Understand the responsibilities and expectations, particularly around operational management and ensuring the school meets statutory requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in educational leadership, operational management, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a nurturing environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for education and your vision for the school. Mention how you can help re-engage students and prepare them for mainstream settings.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail And Slate Limited
✨Understand the School's Vision
Before the interview, take some time to research the school's mission and values. Understanding their approach to education and how they support students will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Prepare for Operational Questions
As the Head of School, you'll be responsible for day-to-day management. Be ready to discuss your experience with operational leadership, including how you've maintained inspection readiness and met statutory requirements in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership philosophy and how it fits with the nurturing environment the school aims to provide. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams and fostered a positive culture in educational settings.
✨Engage with Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific challenges related to student engagement and reintegration into mainstream education.
