At a Glance
- Tasks: Co-lead a thriving special school and drive strategic development.
- Company: Welburn Hall School, a unique and caring educational environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive leadership, and a dedicated staff team.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with beautiful grounds and strong local partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and lead meaningful change in SEND education.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and a passion for special education.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Welburn Hall School, Kirkbymoorside, YO62 7HQ
Contract: Permanent
Hours/ Working Pattern: 0.4 - 0.6 FTE by negotiation as part of a job-share
Salary/ Hourly Rate: L22-L29
Application Closing Date: 23.59 Thursday 18th June
Start Date: September 2026
We are looking for an experienced and visionary senior leader to join our busy and thriving 8-19 special school and to provide joint strategic leadership during a very exciting period of growth and strategic development. Our main building, the historic house, has been extensively refurbished and is now used for an additional 4 classrooms. This has allowed us to increase our student numbers to 135+, but also leaves space in the East Wing and grounds (including 2 bungalows) to develop our contribution to Alternative Provision, to extend our regional support for SEND needs and to generate potential income to contribute to our financial stability.
Our current headteacher job-share has been in place for two years and the Governors are pleased with the success of this arrangement and its benefits to the school. The present Co-Head is leaving after 11 years to explore how her considerable and nationally recognised skills, knowledge and experience of SEND can be used on a wider canvas.
We are looking for someone with proven collaborative skills, who can take up a 0.4-0.6 share of the Headteacher role and to co-lead the school successfully within the changing landscape of the new national strategy for SEND, extending our relationships with mainstream schools and further developing our role as a centre of excellence in SEND provision and practice.
About You
You will be an outstanding teacher with substantial senior leader experience and a proven track record of whole school change management. Ideally you will currently work in a special school but relevant SEND experience in other settings will be considered, providing you have a sound understanding of special education. You will be working closely alongside the incumbent Co-Headteacher, co-leading the school and managing the staff. Ideally you will already have experience in school improvement and development planning, with a strong ability to inspire and co-lead your team. Our wonderful children need someone who will be dedicated to ensuring that they reach their full academic potential, someone with a strongly positive mindset and most of all, a great sense of humour!
In return we can promise you:
- A unique, caring and ambitious school, where pupils are understood, respected and supported as individuals, and where relationships and wellbeing sit at the heart of our practice.
- A strong, stable and forward thinking leadership team, recently restructured to enhance capacity, succession planning and the development of emerging leaders.
- A highly skilled, dedicated and nurturing staff team who are committed to providing high quality specialist education for pupils with autism, complex needs and a wide range of SEND.
- A growing school with clear strategic direction, including curriculum review, development of outreach and alternative provision, strengthening SEND practice, and expanding early years and Key Stage 1 pathways.
- A supportive, fully engaged Governing Body with a rich skill set, committed to staff wellbeing, school improvement and the long term sustainability of the school.
- Strong partnerships with the Local Authority, with positive working relationships that support school development, SEND planning and outreach work.
- A highly valued school community, including an active and enthusiastic Home School Association who contribute significantly to the life of the school through fundraising, enrichment activities and community engagement.
- Extensive collaboration with local and regional networks, including mainstream and special schools, teaching hubs, headteacher groups and safeguarding partnerships, ensuring practice is outward facing and professionally connected.
- A unique and inspiring setting, including 20 acres of beautiful grounds, a historic house, hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, Forest School, on site farm and further spaces ready for future development.
- A clear long term vision, focused on developing our site and offer, enhancing outreach and AP provision, consolidating our new leadership structure, and maintaining financial stability.
- The opportunity to lead meaningful change, shaping provision in response to national SEND reforms, strengthening data informed practice, and supporting staff wellbeing, attendance and professional growth.
- A community that believes in what we do, values our specialist expertise, and shares a commitment to ensuring every pupil can thrive, achieve and enjoy a rich, individualised education.
For an informal, confidential conversation about the role please call Chloe on 01609 536964 or email. Chloe has been engaged to support us with recruitment to this exciting opportunity.
Key dates
Visits: We strongly recommend that you visit us so we can share with you why we are so proud of our school, and you will have the opportunity to see what we have to offer. If you would like the opportunity to visit, please email Chloe.
Shortlisting: Monday 22nd June
Interviews: Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th July
When applying please take into account the following supporting documents: Person Specification, Job Description, Application guidance, including policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders. The supporting information section of your application should clearly evidence your ability to meet the requirements we have outlined in the person specification. This will be used to shortlist applicants for this role and therefore it is imperative that you provide evidence as requested.
References
When completing your application, please provide two employment referees.
Safeguarding
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We have a robust child protection policy and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment at the school. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note this post is in regulated activity and exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS criminal records and barred list check for work with children. An online search may be undertaken as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Co Headteacher employer: Applefields School
Welburn Hall School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique and nurturing environment where every pupil is understood and supported as an individual. With a strong leadership team and dedicated staff, the school prioritises professional growth and wellbeing, fostering a collaborative culture that encourages innovation in special education. Located in a beautiful setting with extensive grounds and facilities, this role provides the opportunity to lead meaningful change in a thriving community committed to excellence in SEND provision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Co Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before applying! We recommend visiting Welburn Hall School to see the environment and meet the team. This will not only give you a feel for the place but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni on LinkedIn to gain insights about the school's culture and expectations. This can help you tailor your approach and stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your experience aligns with the school's vision. We want to hear about your collaborative skills and how you can contribute to the strategic leadership of the school.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Welburn Hall School.
We think you need these skills to ace Co Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your passion for special education shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting students with SEND and how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your collaborative skills and any relevant experience in school improvement and development planning. We want to see how you can contribute to our unique environment!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for evidence of your skills and experiences that match the person specification.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Welburn Hall School. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Applefields School
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the latest national strategies and how they impact schools. This will show that you're not just experienced, but also up-to-date with current practices.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership
Since this role involves co-leading the school, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative leadership. Think of specific examples where you've successfully worked with others to drive change or improve outcomes. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate a team.
✨Visit the School
If possible, take the time to visit Welburn Hall School before your interview. This will give you a feel for the environment and allow you to ask informed questions. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role and the school community.
✨Bring Your Sense of Humour
The job description mentions a great sense of humour, so don’t shy away from showing your personality during the interview. Share light-hearted anecdotes that reflect your positive mindset and ability to connect with students and staff alike.
