At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist school for pupils with autism and developmental delays, shaping curriculum and standards.
- Company: First Bridge Education, a values-driven organisation focused on evidence-led education.
- Benefits: Very competitive salary, 34 days annual leave, pension, and access to Perkbox.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience in SEND education.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Imperial Wharf, Hammersmith and Fulham, London, UK
Salary: Very Competitive compensation package*
Working Pattern: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
We’re hiring a Head Teacher to lead our specialist school and early years provision for pupils with autism and developmental delays. If you are a values-led school leader with a strong SEND background and operational rigour, ready to shape and scale an ambitious provision, this is a rare leadership opportunity.
About First Bridge Education
At First Bridge Education, we combine evidence-led education with behavioural science to deliver outstanding outcomes for pupils with complex needs. Our Centre and School are Ofsted-registered, delivering early years and primary education supported by clinical expertise and ABA-informed practice. We are building something purposeful. A setting where excellence, inclusion, innovation and accountability coexist. We now need a Head Teacher who can lead our school, shape our curriculum, uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and governance, and elevate outcomes for pupils, families, and staff.
About the Role and What You’ll Do
As Head Teacher, you will:
- Lead all aspects of school and early years operations, including curriculum, quality of education, safeguarding, and compliance
- Act as Named Principal (Ofsted/DfE) for the school and Registered Manager for early years provision
- Drive school improvement, pupil progress, and teaching quality through high-expectations leadership
- Work closely with the Clinical Director and Senior Leadership Team to align education, therapy, and operational strategy
- Inspire, develop and mentor staff to build capacity, performance, and professional growth
- Build strong partnerships with families, professionals, local authorities, and external agencies
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership & School Improvement
- Curriculum design, implementation and quality assurance
- Teaching & learning oversight, including lesson observations and coaching
- Progress tracking aligned to EHCPs and regulatory expectations
- Safeguarding and child protection leadership and compliance
- Staff development, performance reviews, and leadership mentoring (including ECT/QTS support)
- Governance, Ofsted readiness and adherence to Independent School Standards
- Parent, stakeholder and multidisciplinary engagement
- Operational oversight including health & safety, compliance, and budgeting
What you bring
Essential:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Proven experience as a Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher
- Strong knowledge of SEN, EYFS, ISS and safeguarding requirements
- Track record in school improvement, staff leadership, and regulatory compliance
- Excellent strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confidence using data to monitor standards, progress, and outcomes
- Willingness to learn and embed the principles of ABA practice
Desirable:
- NASENCo or NPQSENCO qualification
- Experience within specialist SEND, independent or therapeutic education settings
- Prior Ofsted inspection preparation or leadership involvement
What We Offer
- Very Competitive Salary
- 34 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays and your birthday)
- Company pension
- Sick pay
- Access to Perkbox
Safeguarding
First Bridge Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to lead with purpose, raise standards with integrity, and shape the future of specialist education, we want to hear from you. Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your leadership approach, SEND experience and vision for excellence in specialist education.
Locations
Head Teacher in City of London, London employer: First Bridge Centre
Contact Detail:
First Bridge Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in City of London, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Since First Bridge Education is all about inclusion and innovation, think about how your leadership style aligns with their mission. Bring examples of how you've driven school improvement in the past!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your SEND expertise during discussions. Be ready to talk about specific strategies you've implemented to support pupils with autism and developmental delays. This will demonstrate your operational rigour and commitment to excellence.
✨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 candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in City of London, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head Teacher role. Highlight your SEND background and any leadership experience that showcases your ability to drive school improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your vision for excellence in specialist education and how you plan to lead our school. Be authentic and let your passion for education come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership approach. We want to see how you inspire and develop staff, as well as how you engage with families and external agencies to create a supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your materials directly and can review them promptly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bridge Centre
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past to support pupils with autism and developmental delays, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the values of First Bridge Education. Think about examples where you've inspired and developed staff, and be ready to share how you plan to build a strong team culture that prioritises excellence and inclusion.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your approach to strategic planning and school improvement. Think of specific instances where you've successfully driven change or improved outcomes, and how you would apply those experiences to shape the curriculum and operational strategy at the new school.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in building partnerships with families, local authorities, and external agencies. Prepare to discuss how you would engage these stakeholders effectively to enhance the educational experience for pupils and ensure compliance with safeguarding and governance standards.