Headteacher in Braintree

Aqua Robson Academy is a specialist Provision dedicated to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), guided by our mission: Building Strong Connections and Fostering Social Skills. We support learners who have experienced unmet need, exclusion, or placement breakdown, offering an integrated educational, therapeutic and relational model that prioritises safety, communication and belonging.

We are seeking an inspirational leader who shares the same vision and will make it the heart of everything we do. As Head Teacher you will provide strategic leadership, operational management and educational direction for the Academy. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a school built on the belief that:

• Behaviour is communication.
• Trust comes before teaching.
• Reflection comes before reaction.

The successful candidate will hold overall accountability for outcomes, culture, safeguarding, compliance and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the school’s vision, strategy and improvement plan, fully aligned with our mission and SEND statutory requirements.
• Design and oversee a personalised curriculum where social skills, communication and relationship-building are central to all learning.
• Create a nurturing, safe and inclusive environment, leading on safeguarding, wellbeing and positive behaviour support.
• Provide clear strategic direction aligned with the school’s ethos and development plan.
• Lead a high-quality SEND curriculum across academic and functional pathways.
• Ensure EHCP outcomes drive daily practice and progress.
• Represent the academy to Ofsted, Local Authorities, and multi-agency partners.
• Lead, inspire and develop our dedicated staff team, fostering a collaborative values-driven culture.
• Manage resources, compliance and reporting to ensure the academy operates effectively and meets all regulatory standards.

Essential Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven senior leadership experience in SEND or specialist education.
• Expertise in designing learning that builds confidence and life skills.
• Experience supporting learners with autism, ADHD, and complex needs.
• Proven ability to lead teams using relational and therapeutic approaches.

Desirable

• NPQH or equivalent.
• Postgraduate SEND or leadership qualification.
• NASENCo qualification or SEND leadership experience.
• Experience in independent, specialist, or alternative provision.

What we offer

• Competitive salary.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Generous annual leave.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership coaching.
• Opportunity to shape a specialist SEND provision from inception.
• Supportive and values-led governance.

Closing Date: 20th July 2026

How To Apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how your experience, expertise, and vision align with Aqua Robson Academy’s mission.

Safeguarding Commitment: Aqua Robson Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check and relevant safeguarding clearances will be required for this role such as, a children’s barred list check, identity and right to work checks, overseas criminal record checks where applicable.