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- Tasks: Lead a specialist SEMH secondary school, focusing on quality teaching and curriculum coherence.
- Company: A values-centred school with a strong focus on relationships and inclusion.
- Benefits: Opportunity for permanent role, professional development, and making a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a transformative environment and help shape the future of students who need it most.
- Qualifications: Experience in secondary SEMH settings and leadership roles essential.
- Other info: Confidential conversations encouraged; excellent opportunity for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
High-impact SLT role: specialist secondary SEMH. Academics are working with a small, specialist secondary SEMH provision in the South West that is looking to appoint a Senior Leader (initially on contract, with a view to making the role permanent) from early 2026.
The Headteacher has led a rapid turnaround: staffing rebuilt, safeguarding stabilised, behaviour calm, and a trauma-informed, relational culture firmly in place. The environment is now settled and the next phase is about embedding quality and consistency.
The school is very values-centred. Day-to-day practice is built around:
- Strong relationships and emotional availability
- Compassion and inclusion
- Clear safeguarding culture
- High expectations and aspiration for pupils who’ve often experienced failure
In this role you can make a big contribution to translating values into high-quality teaching, curriculum coherence and effective QA, while supporting staff who vary in confidence and skill.
Key notes on the role:
- Interim Senior Leader (experienced AH or DH)
- Feb–Dec 2026, with a strong possibility of becoming permanent
- Big focus on QA, curriculum, adaptive teaching, SEND and safeguarding
- Secondary SEMH background essential
The Head is keen to move quickly and prefers an initial confidential conversation before any visit. School and Trust details will be shared with you when you speak with our consultant.
If this sounds aligned with your experience, we’d welcome a short, no-commitment conversation. You can book a 15min intro call with our consultant, Alpha Parish by emailing to discuss the role further at your convenience. You are also welcome to call Alpha directly during business hours.
Perhaps this role isn’t quite the right fit for you, but would suit a colleague or friend? Do feel free to pass on the details of this vacancy to them.
Senior Leader (SEMH Secondary School) in Paignton employer: Academicis
Contact Detail:
Academicis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Leader (SEMH Secondary School) in Paignton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in SEMH. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation. Before applying, book that intro call with Alpha Parish. It’s a chance to showcase your passion and get a feel for the school culture—plus, it shows you’re proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision! Think about how you can translate values into high-quality teaching and curriculum coherence. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that align with the school's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for updates and new roles. Applying through us not only gives you access to exclusive opportunities but also helps us support you better throughout the process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Leader (SEMH Secondary School) in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for SEMH education shine through. We want to see how your values align with the school's mission and how you can contribute to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in SEMH settings. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported staff and students in similar environments, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key points in the job description. This shows us you can communicate effectively, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academicis
✨Know the School's Values Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the school's values and how they translate into everyday practice. Think about how your own experiences align with their focus on strong relationships, compassion, and high expectations for pupils.
✨Prepare Examples of Your Impact
Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead in a SEMH environment. Highlight instances where you've successfully implemented quality assurance measures or adapted teaching strategies to meet diverse needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about how you can convey your leadership style during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you support staff with varying levels of confidence and skill, and how you foster a trauma-informed, relational culture within your team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to safeguarding or how they envision the next phase of embedding quality and consistency. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.