At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead educational excellence and drive continuous improvement for children with complex needs.
- Company: Craighalbert, a high-performing charity supporting children across Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 55 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture focused on innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: GTCS registration or commitment to achieve it, plus significant teaching and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 68390 - 68390 £ per year.
The Scottish Centre for Children with Motor Impairments (Craighalbert) is a Scottish charity located near Cumbernauld, offering services to children, young people and families from across Scotland. The Centre operates as an independent school for children and young people with complex communication, learning, health, and care needs. It is one of seven Grant Aided Special Schools supported by the Scottish Government. With a team of 48 staff, the Centre operates on an annual budget of approximately £3.2 million. We are dedicated to helping children and young people from birth to 19 years old with complex communication, learning, health and care needs reach their potential and thrive.
Head of Learning to lead educational excellence within our high‑performing Grant Aided Special School and contribute to our ambition to grow our provision and national impact. In this role you will deliver consistently high-quality learning outcomes through a highly personalised curriculum for children and young people with complex additional support needs. Strong inspection and regulatory performance through robust quality assurance, compliance and school improvement planning. An integrated, multi-disciplinary model where learning, therapy and care are aligned around each learner. Effective partnerships with families, local authorities and national stakeholders, including contributing to sector improvement and influencing national practice. A motivated, high-performing team with clear expectations, excellent professional learning and a positive, values-led culture.
What you’ll do:
- Lead Craighalbert’s educational strategy and day-to-day delivery, reporting to the CEO and advising the Board of Directors.
- Drive continuous improvement across curriculum, assessment, pedagogy and learner wellbeing.
- Lead and develop Teachers and Learning Care and Therapy Practitioners, ensuring effective professional supervision, recruitment, and development.
- Strengthen cross-centre collaboration so education, therapy and care work seamlessly together.
- Build strong external relationships with local authorities, national bodies and partners; represent Craighalbert as required, including at educational tribunals.
What you’ll bring:
- GTCS registration with the Standard for Headship, or commitment to achieve the Standard for Headship within two years of appointment.
- Strong knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence, additional support for learning and relevant Scottish legislation/policy.
- Significant teaching experience (5+ years) and leadership capability within ASN/complex needs contexts.
- A collaborative, values-led leadership style with the ability to inspire, coach and build high-performing teams.
- Energy, commitment and ambition to succeed and work as part of a high performing Centre Leadership Team.
Package:
- Salary - £68,390
- Permanent 37 hours/week (Mon–Thu 8.30am–4.30pm Fri 8.30am -4.00pm)
- 55 days annual leave
For a full Recruitment Pack, please visit www.craighalbert.org.uk/current-vacancies or contact 01236 456100 to arrange an informal discussion. The closing date for application is 29 May 2026 and interviews will take place on 9 and 10 June 2026.
Head of Learning in Cumbernauld employer: Craighalbert
Contact Detail:
Craighalbert Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Learning in Cumbernauld
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved with special needs. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Craighalbert, make sure to express why you’re excited about the role. Share your vision for educational excellence and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Craighalbert’s current initiatives and challenges. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss specific examples of your leadership in similar contexts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Craighalbert and contributing to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Learning in Cumbernauld
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Learning role. Highlight your experience with complex needs and how it aligns with Craighalbert's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your collaborative and values-led leadership style in action. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed high-performing teams in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge: Familiarise yourself with the Curriculum for Excellence and relevant Scottish legislation. We love candidates who can speak confidently about these topics and how they apply to our work at Craighalbert.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Craighalbert
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Curriculum for Excellence and the specific needs of children with complex communication and learning challenges. Brush up on relevant Scottish legislation and policies, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire and develop high-performing teams. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or driven educational improvements, as this will highlight your capability to lead at Craighalbert.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to talk about your experience in building effective partnerships. Share specific instances where you’ve collaborated with families, local authorities, or other organisations to enhance learning outcomes.
✨Bring Your Vision
Articulate your vision for educational excellence and how you plan to drive continuous improvement. Think about innovative approaches you could implement and how they align with Craighalbert’s mission to support children and young people with additional support needs.