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- Tasks: Lead a specialist college for young people with SEMH and Autism, shaping culture and values.
- Company: Care First, part of Options Autism, dedicated to person-centred education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, pension scheme, and flexible wellbeing benefits.
- Other info: Join a certified 'Great Place to Work' with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students' lives and foster an inclusive learning environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN leadership and a deep understanding of trauma-informed practice.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Principal to lead a multi‑campus specialist further education college supporting young people with SEMH, Autism and associated needs. The college operates across Great Barr, Walsall and Tamworth. From day one, you will shape the culture, values and strategic direction of a college designed around understanding, inclusion and ambition. Your leadership will ensure that every learner receives a personalised, high‑quality educational experience that empowers them to achieve their potential and prepares them for adulthood.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop a specialist college from the ground up
- Embed therapeutic, trauma‑informed practice at the heart of learning
- Create a culture where wellbeing, safety and progress go hand in hand
- Lead, inspire and grow a high‑calibre multidisciplinary team
- Build a college where students belong, thrive and achieve their potential
- Make a lasting impact that will be felt for generations
What You’ll Do
- Provide strategic leadership and a clear, inspiring vision for a specialist SEMH and Autism setting
- Create a nurturing, ambitious and trauma‑informed environment where behaviour is understood as communication
- Lead on safeguarding, quality, compliance and operational excellence from day one
- Recruit, develop and inspire a passionate, skilled staff team
- Work in close partnership with therapists and specialists to deliver highly personalised pathways
- Build trusted relationships with parents, carers and local authorities
Qualifications & Experience
- An experienced Principal or Deputy Principal within SEN, SEMH, specialist provision or further education
- A deep understanding of trauma‑informed practice and inclusive education
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted and/or ISA frameworks for specialist settings
- Proven ability in budget management, resource planning and leading change
- A passionate advocate for high expectations and aspirational outcomes for every student
- Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience
Salary & Working Hours
- Salary: ÂŁ80,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:00 am – 04:00 pm
- Contract: Permanent | Term time only
- Eligibility: UK applicants only – no sponsorship offered
Benefits
- Life assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- "Your Wellbeing Matters" – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista): health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, hundreds of UK and international discounts, cycle‑to‑work and electric car purchase schemes, critical illness cover, family growth support (enhanced maternity/paternity leave, paid fertility treatment support)
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
About the Organisation
Care First provides person‑centred education and day provision for young adults with learning difficulties, autism, mental health needs and complex needs. Our tailored programmes help learners develop life skills, build independence and thrive within their communities. We are part of Options Autism, which for over 19 years has delivered specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with autism and complex needs. Together, we are part of Outcomes First Group, pioneers of innovative, evidence‑based approaches that create meaningful, measurable outcomes. In 2025, Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a “Great Place to Work” for the sixth year running – something we’re incredibly proud of. We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, and are committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Principal employer: FirstGroup plc
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved with SEMH and Autism. Attend events or webinars where you can connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can give you insights and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your vision! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your ideas on creating a nurturing, trauma-informed environment. This will demonstrate your passion and understanding of what the role truly requires.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle specific challenges related to SEMH and Autism. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during interviews.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our mission to support young people with SEMH and Autism.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEMH and Autism shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in SEN and trauma-informed practice. We’re looking for someone who can lead with understanding, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities of this position.
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.
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 FirstGroup plc
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for the college. Be ready to articulate how you would shape the culture and values, especially around understanding and inclusion. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you have a clear plan for its future.
✨Understand Trauma-Informed Practice
Since the role focuses on SEMH and Autism, brush up on trauma-informed practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would embed these principles into the learning environment. Sharing specific examples from your past experience can really make you stand out.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you would foster relationships with parents, carers, and local authorities. In the interview, highlight your strategies for building trust and collaboration. This is crucial for creating a supportive community around the students.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you inspire and develop a multidisciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led change in previous roles, particularly in SEN or further education settings. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively from day one.