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- Tasks: Lead a nurturing school for students with special educational needs, shaping their educational experience.
- Company: Polaris Education has been transforming young lives for over 30 years with a focus on compassion and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, enhanced pension, free parking, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience with SEN students are essential; leadership skills are a plus.
- Other info: Join us in Banbury and be part of a growing community dedicated to educational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Polaris Education - Banbury School
Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only
Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 dependent on experience
Benefits: Professional Development opportunities, Enhanced pension scheme, Free on-site parking, CPD through internal and external providers, Salary sacrifice schemes such as Cycle to Work, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan
Location: Banbury, Oxon
Opening Date: January 2026
Are you a compassionate and dedicated educational leader? Do you have a passion for supporting students with special educational needs (SEN)? We are seeking an exceptional Head Teacher to lead our nurturing and inclusive school community.
About the School
Located in Banbury, our School has a proposed capacity of up to 60 pupils and offers safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 18 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well-being and personal growth.
Banbury School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK, which are all rated by Ofsted Good or Outstanding. The Polaris Community have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years.
About you
As the Head Teacher, you will be a forward-thinking leader, who will play a pivotal role in building a new team and shaping the educational experience for our students.
Key Responsibilities:
- Educational Leadership: Develop and implement a vision that aligns with our ethos of the Polaris Community embracing compassion, inclusion, and personalized learning. Be able to lead the school to consistently meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework.
- Safeguarding: Acting as the Designated Safeguarding lead and collaborating with safeguarding partners, manage and report all concerns appropriately and put in place policies and procedures to develop a robust safeguarding culture in the school.
- Curriculum Enhancement: Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring a stimulating and engaging learning journey preparing pupils for next step.
- Pastoral Care and SEN Advocacy: Champion a nurturing pastoral approach, emphasizing emotional well-being, mental health, and social development. Advocate for the rights and needs of our SEN students, aligned with EHCP objectives, within the wider educational community.
- Staff Development: Support and mentor staff, promoting continuous professional growth and fostering a collaborative team spirit.
- Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and external partners to create a cohesive support network, ensuring the growth and development of the school.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with Primary/Secondary teaching experience.
- Suitable First degree and/or NPQH (not essential).
- Experience working with SEN students and a deep understanding of their unique requirements.
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply today. Suitable candidates will then be asked to complete a formal application pack ahead of an interview. Join us on this exciting journey to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this role more, please contact Zoe Chittenden 07920 212308.
Head Teacher in Banbury employer: Polaris
Contact Detail:
Polaris Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos and values of Polaris Education. Understanding their commitment to compassion, inclusion, and personalised learning will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members from Polaris schools. They can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can be beneficial in your conversations during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies for supporting students with special educational needs (SEN). Highlighting your experience and innovative approaches will demonstrate your capability as a leader in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by sharing examples of how you've successfully built and developed teams in the past. This will illustrate your ability to foster a collaborative environment, which is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head Teacher position. Familiarise yourself with Polaris Education's ethos and values to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling CV: Highlight your relevant experience in educational leadership, particularly with special educational needs (SEN). Include specific examples of how you've positively impacted students' lives and your approach to fostering an inclusive environment.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for education and your commitment to supporting SEN students. Discuss your vision for the school and how you plan to implement it, aligning with the values of the Polaris Community.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Show Your Passion for SEN
Make sure to express your genuine passion for supporting students with special educational needs. Share specific examples of how you've advocated for SEN students in the past and how you plan to continue doing so in this role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the ethos of the Polaris Community. Highlight experiences where you've successfully led a team, implemented change, or inspired others to achieve common goals.
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
Be ready to talk about your strategies for building strong relationships with parents, carers, and external partners. Discuss any previous initiatives you've led that fostered community involvement and support for the school.
✨Prepare for Curriculum Questions
Anticipate questions regarding curriculum enhancement and how you would tailor learning experiences to meet diverse student needs. Bring examples of innovative practices you've implemented in previous roles to engage students effectively.
