At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist school supporting children with autism and complex needs.
- Company: Join a growing education group in a beautiful rural setting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Access to professional development and a supportive leadership network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and shape the school's future.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and significant senior leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience, plus benefits and Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
We are seeking an inspiring and highly visible leader to take on a senior role at a specialist school supporting children and young people with complex needs, predominantly autism and cognition and learning needs. Set in a beautiful rural location with extensive grounds and a lake, the school is part of a growing education group and has plans to expand over the coming years. This is a chance to rebuild confidence, set a positive culture and lead a school through its next phase of development.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide visible, supportive and confident leadership, building a positive, consistent culture and engaged staff team.
- Take responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the school, managing the deputy, assistant head and teaching teams.
- Maintain high standards, with strong attention to detail and consistent implementation of the school’s policies, curriculum and safeguarding procedures.
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding a robust safeguarding culture.
- Lead the school through inspection, taking forward the existing action plan and ensuring compliance with the Independent School Standards for Wales.
- Handle challenging conversations with parents and professionals constructively and confidently.
- Build strong relationships with families, local authorities and external partners.
- Support the school’s planned growth in pupil numbers, including early years provision.
About You
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and significant senior leadership experience.
- Experience of leading a specialist school or provision for pupils with autism, ALN or complex needs.
- A track record of leading successful external inspections, ideally including Estyn.
- Proven experience of driving school improvement and raising standards.
- Excellent people leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- The resilience, confidence and credibility to lead a school and win the trust of staff, families and professionals.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, ALN and regulatory requirements.
What’s On Offer
- Salary dependant on experience.
- Direct, regular support from an experienced Executive Head.
- A beautiful setting, with approximately 18 acres of grounds and a lake.
- A school with plans to grow, with approved capacity increases planned over the next 18 months.
- Access to a wider leadership network and professional development opportunities.
- Competitive benefits package.
- The chance to join a growing organisation with real influence over the school’s direction.
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