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- Tasks: Lead a new school, shaping educational experiences for students with complex needs.
- Company: Polaris Education, dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, enhanced pension, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children while fostering a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience with SEN students required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a dynamic environment focused on holistic education.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Polaris Education - Kinver School
Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only
Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 dependent on experience
Additional Benefits: Professional Development opportunities, Enhanced pension scheme, Free on-site parking, CPD through internal and external providers, Salary sacrifice schemes, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan
Opening Date: Projected opening date September 2026
About the School
Located in Kinver, Stourbridge, our School offers a capacity of up to 100 pupils and safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 16 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well-being and personal growth. Our School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK, which are all rated by Ofsted Good or Outstanding. The Polaris Community have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. We’re also incredibly proud that 100% of our Education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
About you
As the Head Teacher, you will be a forward-thinking leader, who will play a pivotal role in building a new team and shaping the educational experience for our students.
Key Responsibilities
- Educational Leadership: Develop and implement a vision that aligns with our ethos of the Polaris Community embracing compassion, inclusion, and personalized learning. Lead the school to consistently meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework.
- Safeguarding: Acting as the Designated Safeguarding lead and collaborating with safeguarding partners, manage and report all concerns appropriately and put in place policies and procedures to develop a robust safeguarding culture in the school.
- Curriculum Enhancement: Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring a stimulating and engaging learning journey preparing pupils for next step.
- Pastoral Care and SEN Advocacy: Champion a nurturing pastoral approach, emphasizing emotional well-being, mental health, and social development. Advocate for the rights and needs of our SEN students, aligned with EHCP objectives, within the wider educational community.
- Staff Development: Support and mentor staff, promoting continuous professional growth and fostering a collaborative team spirit.
- Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and external partners to create a cohesive support network, ensuring the growth and development of the school.
Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with Primary/Secondary teaching experience.
- Suitable First degree and/or NPQH (not essential).
- Experience working with SEN students and a deep understanding of their unique requirements.
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Safeguarding Statement
We welcome all applications, including those from under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply today. Join us on this exciting journey to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Head Teacher in Stourbridge employer: Dunsley Hall School
Contact Detail:
Dunsley Hall School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Stourbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, 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’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs, especially around inclusion and personalised learning. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but a perfect match for their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your leadership experiences and how you've supported SEN students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in Stourbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting students shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of young people, especially those with complex needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially with SEN students. We’re looking for someone who can adapt and enhance the curriculum, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the best fit for our school.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Polaris Community right from the start.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunsley Hall School
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, dive deep into Polaris Education's values and mission. Understand how they prioritise compassion, inclusion, and personalised learning. This will help you align your vision for the school with theirs, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for their community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Teacher, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in educational settings. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate staff, as well as how you've fostered a collaborative environment.
✨Discuss Safeguarding Passionately
Safeguarding is a key responsibility for this role. Be ready to discuss your experience and strategies in creating a robust safeguarding culture. Share specific instances where you've managed safeguarding concerns or implemented policies that enhanced student safety and well-being.
✨Engage with Community Building
Community engagement is vital for the success of the school. Think about ways you've built relationships with parents, carers, and external partners in previous roles. Prepare to share your ideas on how to create a cohesive support network that benefits both students and the wider community.
