At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist school for vulnerable young people, ensuring high standards in education and wellbeing.
- Company: A compassionate education provider dedicated to inclusive learning environments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only hours, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive leadership team and shape a growing specialist provision.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with SEMH and SEND needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and 5+ years of leadership experience in education.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 48000 £ per year.
A specialist education provider is seeking an experienced and compassionate Head of School to lead one of its SEMH and SEND provisions in Greater Manchester. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong educational leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and creating inclusive environments where pupils can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The successful candidate will provide visible and proactive leadership across the school, driving high standards in teaching, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing while supporting a culture of accountability, relational practice, and continuous improvement.
The Role
The Head of School will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational leadership of the provision, working closely with wider senior leadership teams to ensure high-quality education, therapeutic support, and inclusive practice across the setting. This role combines strategic leadership, staff management, safeguarding oversight, and school improvement within a specialist SEMH and SEND environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an Ofsted-ready culture while embedding restorative, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approaches that positively impact pupil outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operational management of the school, ensuring high standards across education, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing.
- Drive school improvement priorities through effective use of data, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Lead and support staff performance, development, and accountability across the provision.
- Work collaboratively with senior leaders to ensure high-quality SEND, SEMH, and pastoral support.
- Monitor teaching, learning, interventions, and pupil outcomes to ensure consistent and effective practice.
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), ensuring robust safeguarding systems and compliance.
- Promote relational, restorative, and trauma-informed approaches throughout the school.
- Oversee behaviour systems, attendance strategies, and pupil engagement initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with parents, carers, Local Authorities, and external agencies.
- Contribute to Ofsted readiness, school improvement planning, and quality assurance processes.
- Support staff wellbeing, CPD, recruitment, and professional development.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and aspirational culture where pupils and staff can succeed.
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Minimum of 5 years' leadership experience within a primary, secondary, specialist, or alternative provision setting.
- Strong experience supporting pupils with SEMH and/or SEND needs.
- Experience leading teams, managing staff performance, and driving school improvement.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, behaviour support, and inclusive education practice.
- Experience using data to monitor performance and improve outcomes.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
- Ability to build strong relationships with families, professionals, and multidisciplinary teams.
- A resilient, reflective, and solution-focused leadership style.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Desirable Experience
- NPQH or working towards a leadership qualification.
- Experience within specialist education or alternative provision settings.
- Experience supporting Ofsted inspections and maintaining an Ofsted-ready environment.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, restorative, and therapeutic approaches.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary or therapeutic teams.
What's on Offer
- Permanent full-time opportunity.
- Term-time only working pattern.
- Supportive and collaborative senior leadership structure.
- Excellent professional development and progression opportunities.
- Opportunity to shape and influence a growing specialist provision.
- The chance to make a genuine and lasting difference to young people's lives.
This role would suit an experienced Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Head of School, SEMH Lead, Inclusion Lead, or senior leader looking to progress within specialist education and alternative provision leadership.
Head of School - (Primary) in Manchester employer: Dovetail and Slate
Dovetail and Slate Limited is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong focus on professional development and progression opportunities, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable young people. Located in Greater Manchester, the company promotes a collaborative culture that values relational practice and continuous improvement, ensuring that both staff and pupils thrive together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School - (Primary) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to SEMH and SEND, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions and have some thoughtful questions ready to ask them too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven school improvement and supported staff development. We love hearing about your successes and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate leaders who can make a real impact in our schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School - (Primary) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEMH and SEND. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for vulnerable young people shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but genuinely cares about making a difference in the lives of pupils.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key messages about leadership and school improvement come across clearly without unnecessary fluff.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail and Slate
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of SEMH and SEND provisions. Brush up on current legislation, best practices, and any recent developments in the field. This will show your passion and commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience and how you've driven school improvement in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported staff performance and fostered a positive culture, as this is crucial for the Head of School position.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building Skills
Think of instances where you’ve successfully built relationships with parents, carers, and external agencies. This role requires strong collaboration, so be prepared to share how you’ve engaged with various stakeholders to support pupils’ needs.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to safeguarding, behaviour management, or supporting pupils with SEMH and SEND needs. Practise your responses to these scenarios to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and trauma-informed approach.
