Overview
Five Education is recruiting a Head of Provision for a new specialist SEMH Alternative Provision opening in Wellington in September 2026. The role is temporary to permanent, with a payroll and leadership scale L15‑L21 dependent on experience. The school will support up to 15 learners with complex Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
About the Role
As Head of Provision, you will lead the strategic and operational direction of the school, supervising a multidisciplinary team of up to six staff including therapeutic professionals. You will create a culture of high expectations, compassion and consistency, ensuring every learner thrives academically, emotionally and socially.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the provision.
- Develop an outstanding culture of teaching, learning and personal development.
- Manage and inspire a multidisciplinary staff team.
- Embed trauma‑informed and therapeutic approaches across the school.
- Build strong relationships with carers, local authorities and external agencies.
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, attendance and behaviour.
- Drive continuous improvement and establish the vision for the new specialist provision.
- Collaborate with therapeutic professionals, families and external agencies.
About You
You are an experienced, inspirational and ambitious leader who believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
A strong background as a Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher or SENCO is preferred. You are fanatical about achieving positive outcomes and have extensive experience supporting young people with complex SEMH needs.
You demonstrate:
- Understanding of educational barriers for children in care and those from disadvantaged communities.
- Confidence working with high emotional distress, self‑harm or suicidal risk.
- Calm, resilient, solution‑focused approach in challenging situations.
- Exceptional organisational and leadership skills.
- Ability to inspire, coach and develop others.
- Unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
Qualifications & Requirements
- PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Significant senior leadership experience (Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher or SENCO).
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding and trauma‑informed practice.
- Ability to lead and inspire high‑performing teams.
- Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship).
- Valid DBS with update service; willingness to apply if lacking.
- Two recent references requested.
Desirable: National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) and demonstrable experience supporting children with SEMH and complex needs.
Salary and Benefits
Leadership Scale L15‑L21, dependent on experience.
Multidisciplinary working with therapeutic professionals, excellent opportunities for professional development and future progression.
Benefits include DBS covering, free specialised training, mentorship, and a friend bonus scheme.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, with particular support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates.
Head of Provision employer: Five Education
Five Education is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing work environment in a supportive primary school setting in North Bristol. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from free training and opportunities for growth, while the inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation in supporting pupils with additional needs. The provision of a DBS refund after 20 days further demonstrates our dedication to valuing our staff and ensuring they feel supported in their roles.
