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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 employer: Birtenshaw
Contact Detail:
Birtenshaw Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School
✨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. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at events or interviews, let your enthusiasm for transforming lives shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to educational development.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview! Research the Birtenshaw Group thoroughly and think about how your vision aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss how you would create a comprehensive development strategy for the school.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and committed to our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School
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, especially in the field of special educational needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in educational leadership. We’re looking for a proven track record, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements and how they align with the role of Head of School.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your ideas flow well and your key points stand out. This will help us see your vision for the school more clearly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 enthusiasm for the role and your readiness to collaborate with the senior leadership team and governing board.