At a Glance
- 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 a nurturing environment where every learner can thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education, especially in special needs and autism.
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 Liverpool employer: Birtenshaw
Contact Detail:
Birtenshaw Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School in Liverpool
✨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 thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your leadership style aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've transformed educational environments or improved outcomes for students with SEND. Numbers and success stories can really make your application pop.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Birtenshaw team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School in Liverpool
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 and autism.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to showcase your proven track record in educational development. We’re looking for someone who has led teams successfully, so share specific examples of your leadership achievements that align with the role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of School position. We want to see how you can contribute to our unique environment.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure 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!
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 help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to transforming lives for children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your proven track record in educational development, particularly in special educational needs and autism. Highlight successful initiatives you've led and the impact they had on students and staff.
✨Engage with the Leadership Team
During the interview, engage actively with the Director: Education and other members of the leadership team. Ask insightful questions about their current strategies and challenges, showing that you're not just a candidate but a potential partner in driving the school's vision forward.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Be ready to discuss your comprehensive development strategy for the school. Outline how you plan to set high aspirations and maintain standards, and be prepared to explain how you would motivate staff and encourage students to aim high in their learning.