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- Tasks: Lead a school dedicated to transforming lives for children with special educational needs.
- Company: Birtenshaw Group, a social enterprise focused on education and support.
- Benefits: Supportive leadership team, innovative learning environments, and a commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Join us in creating high aspirations and outstanding educational standards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education, especially with special needs and autism.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint an exceptional and inspirational leader for the role of Head of School. The start date will be from September 2026 (later if necessary) depending on the start date there will be a handover period.
About Us
The Birtenshaw Group is a Social Enterprise Business. That means that there are no shareholders and all profit is reinvested to enhance services or develop new ones. We are committed to Transforming Lives for children and young adults with special educational needs and disability (SEND).
About this Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic leader with a proven track record. Working in partnership with the Director: Education, the newly appointed Head of School will be expected to provide outstanding leadership of the school, promoting and securing a foundation in order to achieve high standards in all areas. As Head of School you will be responsible for setting high aspirations and maintaining the highest standards of provision by creating a comprehensive development strategy that will provide staff with direction and encourage students to aim high. Supported by the Director: Education, School Governing Board and the Board of Trustees, you will provide strong leadership to the school to ensure the delivery of outstanding education.
What we are looking for
The successful candidate will be a motivational leader with a proven track record of educational development especially in the field of special educational needs and autism. You will need to show commitment to our mission, aims and values.
We can offer:
- A motivated and supportive senior leadership team and School Governing Board
- Dedicated, ambitious and caring staff who work hard to ensure learners have the best learning opportunities.
- Stimulating and innovative learning environments indoors and outdoors.
For further information visit our website or to discuss the role or arrange a visit please contact us directly.
Closing Date: 06/05/26 at 12 noon
Interviews: 20/05/26
All employees are required to commit to implementing Birtenshaw Group policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of children and adults. The Birtenshaw Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users and expects all employees to share and uphold this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, this means that any potential employee is still required to disclose what would normally be considered a spent conviction. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in confidence and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed via DBS website. All offers of employment are made subject to safeguarding / pre-employment checks including satisfactory references, pre-employment medical, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.
You may have experience of the following: Head of School, Principal, Executive Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, or Senior Leader.
Head of School in Birkenhead employer: Birtenshaw
Contact Detail:
Birtenshaw Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School in Birkenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with special educational needs. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Birtenshaw Group and its mission. Show us how your values align with ours and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to transforming lives in the role of Head of School.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past successes in educational development. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and lead teams effectively.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team at Birtenshaw.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for transforming lives shine through. We want to see how committed you are to our mission and values, so share your experiences that align with our goals.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Head of School role. Highlight your leadership experience and any work you've done in special educational needs and autism. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be personal, be engaging, and don’t forget to mention how you plan to inspire both staff and students at our school.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birtenshaw
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand the Birtenshaw Group's mission and values. This will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also show your genuine commitment to transforming lives for children and young adults with special educational needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it has positively impacted educational development in your previous roles. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've motivated staff and students alike, especially in the context of special educational needs and autism.
✨Prepare a Development Strategy
Think about a comprehensive development strategy you could implement as Head of School. Outline how you would set high aspirations and maintain standards, and be prepared to discuss this during the interview. This shows that you're proactive and have a clear vision for the role.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
During the interview, engage actively with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and how you can contribute to overcoming them. This demonstrates your interest in the role and your readiness to collaborate with the senior leadership team and governing board.