At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist SEND school, shaping inclusive practices and supporting diverse learners.
- Company: Aqua Robson Academy, dedicated to fostering social skills and emotional growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on wellbeing and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in SEND or specialist education required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join Aqua Robson Academy, a specialist educational provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We support learners who may have experienced unmet need, exclusion or placement breakdown, including learners with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, anxiety, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, communication needs and other complex needs.
Our work is founded on a relational, therapeutic and inclusive approach. We believe that behaviour is communication, trust comes before teaching, and reflection comes before reaction. We create safe, calm, accessible and nurturing environments where learners can develop communication, relationships, emotional understanding, social confidence, independence and life skills.
We are recruiting committed, skilled professionals who share our values and want to make a lasting difference.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the academy’s vision, strategy and improvement plan, aligned with its mission and SEND statutory requirements.
- Design and oversee a personalised curriculum in which social skills, communication and relationship-building are central to learning.
- Create and sustain a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment, leading safeguarding, wellbeing and positive behaviour support.
- Provide strategic direction in line with the academy’s ethos and development plan.
- Lead a high-quality SEND curriculum across academic and functional pathways.
- Ensure EHCP outcomes drive daily practice and learner progress.
- Represent the academy to Ofsted, local authorities and multi-agency partners.
- Lead, inspire and develop a dedicated staff team within a collaborative, values-driven culture.
- Manage resources, compliance and reporting to ensure the academy operates effectively and meets regulatory standards.
Essential qualifications and experience
- 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 through 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.
- The opportunity to shape a specialist SEND provision from inception.
- Supportive, values-led governance.
Headteacher/Head of school/ Senco/Teacher/Academy Caretaker employer: Aqua Robson Academy
Aqua Robson Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a values-driven culture, we empower our Headteacher to lead a specialist SEND provision that truly makes a difference in the lives of children and young people. Located in Essex, this role offers the unique opportunity to shape educational practices while being supported by a collaborative governance team focused on continuous improvement and community connection.
