Regional Director of Education

We are looking for a South Based Regional Director of Education who will play a pivotal role in driving the performance, development, and effectiveness of our schools across the region. With a strong focus on raising educational standards and delivering outstanding outcomes, the Regional Director will lead strategic initiatives that not only improve the provision for all students but also ensure operational excellence to support the organisation's continued growth and success.

Our schools are currently located in South London and South Kent with further growth planned. In this role, you will be responsible for enhancing school performance through continuous evaluation, monitoring, and leadership development. This includes overseeing student occupancy, ensuring full regulatory compliance, and leading high-quality training and coaching programs for school leaders.

You will bring strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and a deep understanding of SEMH issues, ensuring that best practices are implemented and shared across the region. Your work will be integral in fostering a culture of continuous improvement while preparing the region for future expansion and increased commercial success.

About Horizon Care and Education Group is a growing provider of children's homes, specialist schools and supported accommodation services for children and young people across England.

About Horizon Education offers unrivalled opportunities, securing sound educational outcomes with personalised, inclusive, and stimulating programmes of learning. Our schools specialise in supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges, Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN), as well as ADHD and complex learning needs.

Core Values and Leadership Expectations: Horizon is guided by our core values: Compassionate, Inspiring, Dependable, and Collaborative. As a senior leader, you will be expected to model these values in every aspect of your work. A true leader at Horizon is one who uses these principles as a foundation for decision-making, fostering a positive and supportive environment, and fulfilling our mission to deliver exceptional outcomes for young people.

Join Our Team: We are looking for a leader who not only exemplifies our core values but can also inspire our community to achieve lasting success. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Vision: Lead with a clear and compelling vision for the future of our schools, fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and excellence.
• Resilience: Show perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges, driving forward with determination and optimism.
• Empathy: Cultivate a supportive and inclusive atmosphere by demonstrating genuine care and understanding for both staff and students, ensuring everyone feels valued.
• High Support & High Challenge: Aim for academic excellence while providing steadfast support, ensuring that every student can reach their full potential.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status and NPQH/EL (National Professional Qualification for Headship/Executive Leadership).
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in leading multiple schools or services, with a proven track record of success across a region.
• Detailed knowledge and experience of the Independent Schools Standards (ISS) and the current Ofsted framework and guidance.
• Proven success in achieving both commercial and quality KPIs, as well as experience delivering effective change management projects within large organisations.
• Experience in leading growth initiatives for new schools or services that align with organisational strategic priorities.
• At least 2 years' experience in a Director, Executive / Headteacher, or similar leadership role within an SEN specialist school or educational setting.
• Demonstrated success in leading staff teams to execute school improvement strategies, achieving KPIs and raising standards.
• Strong ability to set and monitor challenging targets at all levels of school performance, ensuring accountability and results.
• Collaborative leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively within and lead a team.
• Experience in leading educational projects, strategic planning, and financial management across multiple schools or on a regional/national level.

This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated leader who is passionate about driving progress, improving outcomes, and making a meaningful impact across our schools and services.

Why work for us?

• Real Living Wage employer
• Competitive pay rates
• Christmas bonus
• Blue Light Card
• Colleague referral scheme with cash rewards - earn up to £2500 per referral!
• Financial wellbeing service
• Life Assurance
• Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
• Tastecard - spectacular savings on dining, pizza, cinema tickets, supermarkets, and UK attractions!
• Opportunity to progress in your career through our Education Academy, and ongoing training and professional development.
• Comprehensive and tailored induction programme including face-to-face training, online modules, shadowing, and local induction period.
• Face-to-face therapeutic training and support for all colleagues via our SHINE programme.
• Access to a wide range of free online courses for all colleagues on a variety of topics.
• Employee assistance programme - free, confidential support.
• Community and wellbeing - Your wellbeing matters to us, and we are committed to ensuring you get all the support you need to feel good about what you do.
• Supportive management and senior leaders.
• High quality CPD opportunities.
• Free eye checks.