At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist school, driving improvement and providing exceptional education for children with complex needs.
- Company: Join Compass Community Schools, a leader in therapeutic education and child-centred approaches.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven team committed to integrity, courage, and care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping the future of specialist education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and significant leadership experience in SEND or specialist education.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Stottesden, Shropshire
Salary: £75,000 per annum
Reports to: Regional Director
Key Stakeholders: Regional Director, Education Services Leadership Team, Proprietary Board, Local Authorities, Parents/Carers, Therapeutic Teams, External Professionals, Ofsted
ROLE PURPOSE
Compass Community Schools are unique and distinctive environments that are highly effective in supporting children with a broad range of complex behaviours and needs. Vicarage Park School supports children and young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and complex needs through a highly personalised, therapeutic and child‑centred approach to education. As Compass Community continues its ambitious growth and development across specialist education, the Headteacher at Vicarage Park will play a pivotal role in leading the school through the next stage of its journey. This is an exciting opportunity for a values‑led and ambitious leader to shape a small specialist school with significant potential for growth and improvement.
Reporting to the Regional Director, the Headteacher will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the school, ensuring children receive exceptional educational experiences, therapeutic support and opportunities to thrive. The postholder will lead with high expectations, driving improvement, strengthening culture and building a sustainable foundation for future growth. The successful candidate will be passionate about achievement for all pupils, regardless of starting point, and committed to creating a safe, aspirational and nurturing environment where every child can experience success.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & School Improvement
- 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.
- Quality of Education & Outcomes
- 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.
- Safeguarding, Wellbeing & Therapeutic Practice
- 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.
- Leadership, Culture & People Development
- 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.
- Operational & Regulatory Leadership
- 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.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Qualifications
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) desirable.
- Relevant SEND qualification or substantial specialist SEND experience desirable.
Experience
- 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.
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
- Vicarage Park demonstrates clear and sustained improvement across education, safeguarding and pupil outcomes.
- Pupils experience high‑quality, personalised education that supports progress, independence and wellbeing.
- Staff feel supported, motivated and aligned to a shared vision and culture.
- The school develops a strong reputation for safe, therapeutic and aspirational practice.
- Regulatory standards are consistently met and inspection readiness is embedded.
- The school grows sustainably while maintaining high standards of care, education and safeguarding.
- Families, local authorities and stakeholders view Vicarage Park as a trusted and high‑quality specialist provision.
About Compass Community
Transforming lives through Integrity, Courage and Care. Compass Community exists to create a future of strength and opportunity for every child. Across fostering, residential care and education, we use a therapeutic, innovative approach that puts children first. Our mission is to be the UK’s #1 children’s services provider – reaching more children, being the best place to work in children’s services, and helping to transform the sector for good. Our values, Integrity, Courage and Care guide how people work here. We listen properly, challenge each other well, and get on with fixing what needs to be fixed, together. When something goes wrong, we deal with it. When something goes well, we celebrate it. That’s the work of Life Changers, and we look forwards to welcoming you to the team.
Headteacher - Specialist SEND & Therapeutic Education Leader in Rock employer: Compass Community
Compass Community Schools is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a specialist school dedicated to supporting children with complex needs in the picturesque setting of Stottesden, Shropshire. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a nurturing work culture, and a focus on therapeutic education, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive salaries and a supportive environment that values integrity, courage, and care. Join us in shaping the future of education for vulnerable children and be part of a team that celebrates achievements and fosters professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher - Specialist SEND & Therapeutic Education Leader in Rock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND and therapeutic practices. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to education and safeguarding. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest roles listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values integrity, courage, and care – just like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - Specialist SEND & Therapeutic Education Leader in Rock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting children with complex needs shine through. We want to see your commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in SEND and therapeutic education. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've driven improvement in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Vicarage Park School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Community
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of SEND and therapeutic education. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices, policies, and challenges in the field. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine passion for improving outcomes for children with complex needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of Compass Community Schools. Think about examples where you've motivated teams or driven school improvement. Be ready to share how you create a positive culture and support staff development.
✨Engage with Key Stakeholders
Understand the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders like parents, local authorities, and external professionals. Be prepared to discuss how you would build these relationships and ensure everyone is aligned towards the same goals for the pupils.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Articulate a clear and ambitious vision for Vicarage Park School. Think about how you would lead the school through its next phase of development, focusing on high standards in education, safeguarding, and therapeutic practice. Show that you’re not just a leader, but a visionary who can inspire others.
