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- Tasks: Lead a special school focused on therapeutic relationships and support for pupils with SEMH needs.
- Company: A well-established independent special school in Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £70,000, permanent contract, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in SEMH settings and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a nurturing environment with integrated clinical support.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are working with a special school in Essex to appoint an experienced and passionate Head of School. This is a genuinely exciting permanent opportunity for a senior leader who wants to make a real difference within a school that puts therapeutic relationships at the heart of everything it does.
About the School:
This well-established special school supports secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Many of the young people have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences and require a structured, nurturing environment where trust, stability and emotional regulation are central to enabling learning. The school operates with small class sizes and a high staff-to-pupil ratio, and benefits from integrated clinical support, a genuinely therapeutic model rather than simply an educational one.
The Role:
The Head of School will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operational running of the school, including staff management, safeguarding, and oversight of both educational and therapeutic provision. You will work closely with a wider senior leadership team and play a key role in maintaining the high standards the school is known for.
The successful candidate will:
- Have significant experience leading within an SEMH, PRU or alternative provision setting
- Be confident managing and developing staff teams
- Understand the complexities of supporting pupils with trauma histories and complex emotional and behavioural needs
- Have a warm, child-centred approach and a commitment to therapeutic practice
- Be an experienced senior leader ready to step into a Head of School or similar role
Key Details:
- Location: Essex
- Salary: Up to £70,000 (negotiable)
- Contract: Permanent
- Start: As soon as possible
- Setting: Independent special school (SEMH)
- Age range: Secondary
To find out more or to express interest, please get in touch with us directly and we will be happy to share further details.
Head of School Therapeutic SEMH School in Witham employer: Brava Education
Contact Detail:
Brava Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School Therapeutic SEMH School in Witham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEMH schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Understand their therapeutic approach and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see that passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and supported pupils with complex needs. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your skills.
✨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, we’re always here to help if you have any questions along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School Therapeutic SEMH School in Witham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what we're all about and how you can fit into our team. Highlight your relevant experience and make sure it aligns with what we’re looking for!
Show Your Passion for SEMH: We’re all about making a difference in the lives of our pupils. In your application, let us know why you’re passionate about working in a therapeutic SEMH setting. Share any personal experiences or insights that fuel your commitment to this important work.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love seeing candidates who take the time to tailor their CV and cover letter to our specific needs. Mention your leadership experience and how it relates to managing staff and supporting pupils with complex needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brava Education
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the school's ethos and values. Since this role is all about putting therapeutic relationships at the heart of education, think about how your own experiences align with this approach and be ready to discuss specific examples.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of School, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully managed staff teams in the past, especially in SEMH or similar settings. Use concrete examples that highlight your ability to foster a nurturing environment while maintaining high standards.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Trauma-Informed Practices
Given the nature of the school, it's essential to demonstrate your understanding of trauma-informed practices. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've implemented to support pupils with complex emotional and behavioural needs, and how you can create a structured yet flexible learning environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the school. Ask about their current challenges, the support available for staff, or how they measure success in both educational and therapeutic outcomes.