At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a brand-new PMLD school, shaping its vision and culture.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking provider dedicated to exceptional education for students with complex needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to £70,000 plus an excellent bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young lives while leading a passionate team in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in PMLD or complex SEN settings is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the school from the ground up, welcoming first students in 2026.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 84000 £ per year.
Headteacher – Brand New PMLD School
Experience, qualification, and soft skills, have you got everything required to succeed in this opportunity Find out below.
Location: Dudley
Salary: Up to £70,000 + Excellent Bonus Scheme
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and inspirational Headteacher to lead the opening of a brand-new all-through PMLD school in Dudley, set to welcome its first students at the beginning 2026.
This purpose-built school will provide outstanding education and care for up to 25 students aged 6–18, all with profound and multiple learning difficulties. With most pupils requiring 1:1 support, you will be responsible for leading and developing a dedicated and highly skilled staff team.
As Headteacher, you will:
- Drive the vision, ethos and culture of the school from the ground up.
- Recruit, inspire and manage a large, committed staff team.
- Ensure high-quality teaching and learning tailored to each student’s individual needs.
- Deliver excellence in safeguarding, compliance and Ofsted standards.
- Build strong relationships with families, local authorities and external professionals.
We are looking for a Headteacher who:
- Has proven experience of leadership within a PMLD or complex SEN setting (essential).
- Demonstrates a track record of driving school improvement and achieving strong Ofsted outcomes.
- Possesses exceptional leadership and communication skills.
- Is passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of young people with complex needs.
What’s On Offer
- Competitive salary up to £70,000 + an excellent bonus scheme
- The chance to shape and lead a brand-new school from the very start
- Support from a forward-thinking and well-resourced provider
If you are an ambitious and visionary leader with a passion for PMLD education, we would love to hear from you!!!
Contact Details
If this exciting opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, please contact Jordanna Osborn on 02394211147 Alternatively, email an updated CV to josborn@compassltd.co.uk.
Recommendations
Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy. We offer a £200 John Lewis voucher for successful referrals following the completion of probation.
Headteacher - Brand New PMLD School employer: Compass Associates
Contact Detail:
Compass Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher - Brand New PMLD School
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the PMLD and SEN sectors. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the new school environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends and best practices in PMLD education. Familiarise yourself with innovative teaching methods and approaches that could be implemented in the new school to enhance student learning and engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the school during interviews. Think about how you would create a positive culture and ethos, and be ready to share specific strategies for building relationships with families and local authorities.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in driving school improvement and achieving strong Ofsted outcomes to demonstrate your capability for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - Brand New PMLD School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in PMLD or complex SEN settings. Include specific examples of how you've driven school improvement and achieved strong Ofsted outcomes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for PMLD education. Discuss your vision for the new school and how you plan to build a strong culture and ethos from the ground up.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your exceptional leadership and communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've inspired and managed staff teams effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as these can detract from your professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Show Your Passion for PMLD Education
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with students with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in PMLD or complex SEN settings. Highlight specific examples of how you've driven school improvement and achieved strong Ofsted outcomes.
✨Articulate Your Vision
Be ready to articulate your vision for the new school. Discuss how you plan to establish the school's ethos and culture, and how you will ensure high-quality teaching tailored to each student's needs.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with families, local authorities, and external professionals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in the past.