At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Vicarage Park School with a clear vision and high standards for pupils with complex needs.
- Company: Join a supportive community focused on specialist education and pupil wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £75,000 plus bonuses, with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with severe learning difficulties and complex needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and significant leadership experience in SEND settings required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 93000 £ per year.
Reports to: Regional Director.
Responsibilities:
- Provide clear, ambitious and values‑led leadership for Vicarage Park School.
- Develop and implement a strategic vision that supports school improvement, sustainable growth and outstanding outcomes for pupils with SLD and complex needs.
- Lead the school through its next phase of development, embedding high standards across education, safeguarding, behaviour and therapeutic practice.
- Drive a culture of aspiration, accountability and continuous improvement across the school community.
- Work collaboratively with the Regional Director and wider Compass leadership teams to align school priorities with organisational strategy.
- Ensure the curriculum is ambitious, personalised and appropriately adapted to meet the diverse needs of pupils.
- Promote consistently high‑quality teaching, learning and assessment across the school.
- Establish high expectations for behaviour, attendance, engagement and achievement.
- Use data, observation and quality assurance processes to monitor progress and drive improvement.
- Ensure pupils are well prepared for adulthood, independence and their next stage of education or life.
- Ensure safeguarding remains central to all aspects of school life and practice.
- Promote a therapeutic, trauma‑informed and child‑centred culture that supports pupils' emotional wellbeing and development.
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure pupils receive integrated and holistic support.
- Maintain full compliance with safeguarding legislation, Independent School Standards and regulatory requirements.
- Foster an environment where pupils feel safe, valued, respected and able to thrive.
- Lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary staff team through coaching, support and clear accountability.
- Create a positive and inclusive culture aligned with Compass values of Integrity, Courage and Care.
- Ensure staff feel supported, valued and empowered to deliver high‑quality practice.
- Lead effective performance management, supervision and professional development across the school.
- Support recruitment, retention and succession planning to strengthen long‑term school capacity.
- Ensure the school operates safely, effectively and in line with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Lead preparation for Ofsted inspections and maintain strong inspection readiness at all times.
- Monitor budgets, resources and staffing effectively to support sustainable school growth.
- Build positive relationships with local authorities, parents/carers and external professionals.
- Promote the reputation of Vicarage Park and Compass Community Schools as trusted specialist education providers.
Qualifications:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) desirable.
- Relevant SEND qualification or substantial specialist SEND experience desirable.
- Significant leadership experience within SEND or specialist education settings.
- Strong understanding of Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), complex needs and therapeutic approaches to education.
- Proven track record of driving school improvement and improving outcomes for children with additional needs.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams within complex educational environments.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, compliance and regulatory requirements within specialist education.
- Experience of preparing for and leading Ofsted inspections.
Attributes:
- Ambitious and aspirational for all children and young people.
- Inspirational leader who can motivate teams and build a positive culture.
- Resilient, reflective and solutions‑focused.
- Child‑centred and values‑led in approach.
- Strong communicator able to build trust with pupils, families, staff and external stakeholders.
- Organised and strategic, with the ability to balance operational leadership and long‑term development.
Location: Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Salary and Bonus: £75,000 a year + up to £18,000 in bonus.
Headteacher in Cleobury Mortimer employer: Compass Community Schools
Vicarage Park School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of both its pupils and staff. Located in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture where ambitious leadership is encouraged, and continuous professional development is a key focus. With competitive salaries and bonuses, alongside a commitment to safeguarding and holistic education, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Cleobury Mortimer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who have experience with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around improving outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and driven school improvement. Highlight your experience with multidisciplinary teams and how you’ve fostered a positive culture.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Cleobury Mortimer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of pupils with SLD and complex needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific responsibilities and values outlined in the job description. We love it when candidates align their experiences with our mission at Vicarage Park School.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that highlight your key achievements and qualifications without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
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 exciting opportunity at Vicarage Park School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Community Schools
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to develop a clear and ambitious vision for Vicarage Park School. Think about how you would implement strategies for school improvement and support pupils with SLD and complex needs. Be ready to share specific examples of how your vision aligns with the school's values and goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you've motivated multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight instances where you've driven a culture of aspiration and accountability. Use real-life examples to illustrate how you've fostered a positive and inclusive environment that aligns with Compass values.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of SEND
Brush up on your knowledge of Severe Learning Difficulties and therapeutic approaches to education. Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt the curriculum to meet diverse pupil needs and ensure high-quality teaching and assessment. This will show your commitment to providing tailored support for all students.
✨Prepare for Ofsted Questions
Since maintaining strong inspection readiness is crucial, think about your experiences with Ofsted inspections. Prepare to discuss how you've led preparations in the past and what strategies you would implement to ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation and Independent School Standards.
