Head of School

Head of School

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire students while reducing admin tasks for a better work-life balance.
  • Company: Progress Schools is a national group of independent schools focused on innovative education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, wellbeing support, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives in a supportive, nurturing environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree and teaching qualifications required; leadership experience in education is essential.
  • Other info: Join a community committed to safeguarding, equality, and personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, its a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional?Well at Progress Schools, thats just the approach we take.Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basicsenjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of surplus admin too.Your work-life balance matters. Thats why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible.And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. So we want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools.But thats not all, we also offerProfessional Development:Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague!Financial Security:Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary.Family-Friendly Policies:Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.Health and Wellbeing Cashback:Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually.Recognition Awards:Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards.Referral Bonus:£500 for referring top talent.Exclusive Discounts:MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewardsWeekly drop ins with Senior Leaders:Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLTGroup Connection:Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review.Who are we looking for from you?Engagement Skills:Demonstrated ability to inspire and engage learners, supporting them in achieving their ambitions. Able to bring fresh ideas, creativity, and proactive leadership to both the classroom and wider school environment.Emotional Support:Passionate about making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of young peopleparticularly those requiring additional support.Academic Background:Degree in a relevant subject area is essential.Core Teaching Qualifications:QTS or QTLS (or an overseas equivalent) is required. NPQH or working towards it is desirable.Experience:Proven leadership experience in an educational setting (Head of Department, SLT, or Headteacher level), ideally within an alternative provision or similar setting. Experience managing staff teams and small school cohorts is essential.Teaching Subjects:Strong understanding and oversight of core subject delivery (English, Maths, Science), with a track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes.Knowledge:In-depth understanding of the alternative provision landscape, school compliance requirements, and Independent School Standards. Familiarity with working with learners with SEN and additional needs is key.Problem-Solving:Proactive in addressing challenges and implementing effective solutions to enhance pupil outcomes and operational efficiency.Communication:Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills with staff, learners, and external stakeholders.Promotion of Values:A clear commitment to upholding and promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, wellbeing, and British values within the school community.Time Management:Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities, staff development, curriculum oversight, and regulatory compliance.About the School:Progress Schoolsis part ofThe Progress Group,the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools.Progress Schools Toxtethis a small, supportive alternative education setting with 30-55 pupils on roll. Our focus is helping young people progress back into mainstream education or further studies. We provide a safe, nurturing environment with modern air-conditioned classrooms, an ICT suite, and access to top-tier sports facilities. Students enjoy freshly prepared meals from our high-spec kitchen. Proudly, our Liverpool Alternative Provision was named Most Inspirational Alternative Provision by a School at the Educate Awards.How to Apply:Ready to be a part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY.Diversity and Inclusion Statement:The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. All employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs.Safeguarding Statement:We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices. For details of our commitment to safer recruitment please visit our website for further information.Note:We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.JBRP1_UKTJ

Head of School employer: LinkedIn

At Progress Schools, we prioritise your wellbeing and professional growth, offering a supportive work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people. With generous benefits including enhanced family leave, access to wellness resources, and substantial investment in your professional development, we ensure that our staff thrive alongside our students. Located in Toxteth, our nurturing alternative education setting provides modern facilities and a collaborative culture that values creativity and engagement.
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Contact Detail:

LinkedIn Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of School

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Progress Schools. Understanding their commitment to wellbeing and personal growth will help you align your own philosophy with theirs during any discussions or interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged and inspired learners in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in alternative provision or similar settings will demonstrate your suitability for the Head of School position.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing specific challenges you've faced in educational settings and how you addressed them. This will illustrate your problem-solving abilities and proactive approach, which are key for this role.

✨Tip Number 4

Engage with current trends and issues in alternative education, especially regarding SEN and additional needs. Being well-informed will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to improving pupil outcomes.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of School

Engagement Skills
Emotional Support
Core Teaching Qualifications (QTS or QTLS)
Leadership Experience in Education
Understanding of Core Subject Delivery (English, Maths, Science)
Knowledge of Alternative Provision Landscape
Experience with SEN and Additional Needs
Problem-Solving Skills
Strong Communication Skills
Commitment to Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Time Management Skills
Creativity and Proactive Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Company Culture: Before applying, take some time to understand Progress Schools' commitment to wellbeing and personal growth. Reflect this understanding in your application by highlighting how your values align with theirs.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of School position. Emphasise your leadership experience, engagement skills, and any relevant qualifications like QTS or NPQH. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, include a brief note about your training philosophy as requested. Use this opportunity to showcase your passion for education and how you can inspire both staff and students at Progress Schools.

Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your proven leadership in educational settings, particularly in alternative provisions. Mention your familiarity with SEN and additional needs, as well as your problem-solving skills to enhance pupil outcomes.

How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn

✨Show Your Passion for Wellbeing

Progress Schools places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, so make sure to express your commitment to supporting both students and staff. Share examples of how you've prioritised mental health and wellbeing in your previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Engagement Skills

Highlight your ability to inspire and engage learners. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully motivated students, particularly those who may require additional support, to achieve their ambitions.

✨Discuss Your Leadership Experience

Given the leadership nature of the role, be ready to discuss your previous leadership experiences in educational settings. Focus on how you've managed teams, improved teaching outcomes, and addressed challenges effectively.

✨Emphasise Your Knowledge of Alternative Provision

Familiarity with the alternative provision landscape is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of compliance requirements and how you've worked with learners with special educational needs (SEN) in the past.

Head of School
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