Head of School

Head of School

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a school dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs.
  • Company: A supportive multi-academy trust focused on inclusive education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and attractive pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with complex needs.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEN education and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for career progression.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Our client has an exciting opportunity for a Head of School to join the team.

Location: London

Salary: £80k to £100k

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time

About The Company:

Our client is a well-established specialist education provider operating within a supportive and values-driven multi-academy trust. The organisation is committed to delivering high-quality education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, promoting inclusive environments where every learner is supported to achieve their full potential. Collaboration, safeguarding, and continuous improvement sit at the heart of their approach. As part of their ongoing growth they are now seeking a Head of School to manage their latest setting.

Head of School – The Role:

This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the school, driving educational excellence, and ensuring outstanding outcomes for pupils with complex needs. The successful candidate will combine strong educational leadership with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to inclusive practice.

Head of School – Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure high standards of teaching, learning, and care
  • Lead, motivate, and develop staff to create a positive, high-performing school culture
  • Ensure full compliance with statutory, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
  • Work collaboratively with the multi-academy trust, local authorities, and external partners
  • Oversee school improvement planning, quality assurance, and pupil outcomes

Head of School – You:

  • Proven leadership experience within SEN or specialist education settings
  • Strong understanding of SEND legislation, safeguarding, and inspection frameworks
  • Demonstrable experience of school improvement and raising standards
  • Excellent people management and communication skills
  • Experience working within a multi-academy trust or similar structure (desirable)

Head of School – Benefits:

  • Competitive salary package aligned with experience
  • Supportive governance and trust-wide leadership collaboration
  • Opportunities for professional development and career progression
  • Attractive pension scheme

To submit your CV for this exciting Head of School opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now.

Head of School employer: Elliot Marsh

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven environment where educational leaders can thrive. Located in London, the organisation prioritises professional development and career progression, ensuring that staff are equipped to deliver high-quality education for children with special educational needs. With a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, this role as Head of School provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of learners while being part of a dedicated multi-academy trust.
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Contact Detail:

Elliot Marsh Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of School

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with special educational needs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission to support learners with complex needs.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven school improvement or led teams in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate for the Head of School position.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to make a difference in the education sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of School

Educational Leadership
Strategic Planning
Staff Development
Compliance Management
Collaboration
School Improvement
Understanding of SEND Legislation
Safeguarding Knowledge
Communication Skills
People Management
Quality Assurance
Experience in Multi-Academy Trusts
Resilience
Commitment to Inclusive Practice

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of School role. Highlight your leadership experience in SEN settings and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive educational excellence.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about inclusive education and how your values align with our client's mission. Be sure to mention your understanding of SEND legislation and your approach to school improvement.

Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse into your leadership style. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed staff in previous roles, and how you’ve created a positive school culture that supports all learners.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Elliot Marsh

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND legislation and safeguarding practices. Brush up on the inspection frameworks too, as these will likely come up during your interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in SEN or specialist education settings. Think about times when you motivated staff or improved school culture. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership skills and how they align with the values of the organisation.

✨Collaborative Mindset

Since the role involves working with a multi-academy trust and external partners, be ready to discuss your experience in collaboration. Share specific examples of successful partnerships you've built and how they benefited the school community. This will highlight your ability to work within a team-oriented environment.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's vision for the future or how they measure success in pupil outcomes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school aligns with your own values and goals.

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