Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, oversee staff and student outcomes, and ensure a positive learning environment.
- Company: Join a small independent school dedicated to nurturing and re-engaging students with education.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, wellbeing support, professional development, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while promoting a positive school culture and community values.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant subject, QTS or QTLS, and strong leadership experience required.
- Other info: Dovetail and Slate prioritises safeguarding and offers a supportive recruitment process.
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 peopleAcademic 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 ScienceSector 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 LightGenerous Holidays & FlexibilityProfessional Development: Approximately £3.5k invested per colleague last year.Financial Security: Death in Service InsuranceFamily-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave.Health & Wellbeing CashbackRecognition Awards, discounts & RewardsReferral Bonus: £500 per personSenior 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. PandoLogic. Keywords: School Principal, Location: Wolverhampton, ENG – WV98 1AQ
Head of School employer: Dovetail & Slate
Contact Detail:
Dovetail & Slate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who have experience in independent schools or alternative provision. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Independent School Standards and current educational policies related to SEN. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail, particularly how you've inspired and engaged learners in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your emotional insight and ability to foster ambition.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of curriculum delivery by being ready to discuss innovative approaches you've implemented in the past. Highlight any successful extra-curricular programmes you've developed to enhance student engagement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience, particularly in educational settings. Emphasise any roles where you've managed staff or improved student outcomes, as these are key for the Head of School position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and your commitment to supporting young people. Mention specific examples of how you've inspired learners and contributed to a positive learning environment.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your academic qualifications and teaching credentials, such as QTS or QTLS. If you have NPQH or similar qualifications, make sure to mention them prominently.
Showcase Sector Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of Independent School Standards and alternative provision in your application. This could be through specific examples of your experience or insights into how you would approach the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail & Slate
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine passion for education and the impact it has on young people's lives. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles in detail. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, improved student outcomes, and implemented effective curriculum strategies in your past positions.
✨Understand the School's Values
Research the school's values and mission statement thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to promoting these within the wider community.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may be posed during the interview. Think about challenges you might face in this role and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and emotional insight.
