At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver outstanding education for pupils with autism.
- Company: Innovative school focused on transforming lives through tailored education and therapy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with autism.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent, extensive leadership experience in SEND/autism provision.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
The school delivers an integrated approach that combines ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), evidence-based therapy, and tailored curriculum pathways to maximise pupil outcomes and preparation for adult life. The school’s motto is “Through Adversity to the Stars” and is recognised for innovation, high expectations, and transformational outcomes for children and young people with autism.
The headteacher will provide strategic, operational, and inspirational leadership across all aspects of school life, ensuring the school continues to deliver outstanding education, therapeutic support, and life opportunities for pupils and families. Working closely with the CEO, executive and senior leaders, teachers, behaviour analysts, therapists, parents, and external partners, the successful candidate will champion excellence in autism education while shaping the school’s next phase of development and impact.
Key Responsibilities- Provide clear, strategic, and inspirational leadership, ensuring the highest standards of education, safeguarding, wellbeing, and pupil outcomes.
- Lead and develop outstanding autism provision through an integrated model of education, evidence-informed practice, and applied behaviour analysis.
- Drive excellence in teaching, learning, communication, and therapeutic provision for pupils with complex and diverse needs.
- Lead, motivate, and develop a skilled multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of ambition, collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
- Foster a culture of unity and collaboration across education, ABA, therapies, and administration to ensure a cohesive, child-centered team around every student.
- Oversee school improvement, quality assurance, staffing, and operational management.
- Lead the senior leadership team to drive consistent practice, uphold high expectations, and promote strong staff wellbeing.
- QTS or equivalent.
- Extensive senior leadership experience within a SEND/autism provision.
- Comprehensive expertise in designing and delivering effective teaching, learning, and curriculum strategies tailored to pupils with autism.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams (education and therapies).
- Skilled in leading school improvement and raising standards.
- Proven experience in strategic workforce planning and leading effective staff development initiatives.
- A solid track record leading, motivating, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
- Skilled in engaging with trustees and robust governance structures to support strategic leadership and accountability.
- Strong grasp of data-driven assessment and evaluative practice to support improvement.
- DSL training (or willingness to obtain).
- Background in budgeting, financial planning, and effective resource management.
- Strong alignment with the school’s vision of combining ABA, evidence-based practice, and personalised learning pathways.
- Experience working with governors and established governance frameworks.
- Ensure safeguarding remains rigorous and effective across all aspects of provision.
- Experience in delivering or leading applied behaviour analysis provision.
- Specialist qualifications in autism/SEND.
- NPQH (or equivalent) or willingness to achieve.
- Demonstrated ability in managing growth, transformation, or system-level leadership.
Applications close Friday, 26th June, with interviews commencing week of 29th June. Forest Bridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and comply with all safeguarding requirements.
Headteacher in Maidenhead employer: Forest Bridge School
Forest Bridge School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment for its staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development, collaboration, and high expectations, the school empowers its team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with autism. Located in a vibrant community, employees benefit from a culture that prioritises wellbeing, continuous growth, and a shared commitment to excellence in education and therapeutic support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND and autism provisions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent developments. Show us you’re passionate about their mission of delivering outstanding education and therapeutic support. Tailor your responses to reflect their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities. We often post roles that might not be advertised elsewhere, so keep an eye out and apply directly through us.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve motivated teams and driven excellence in education. We want to see how you can inspire others and lead a multidisciplinary team effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and working with children with autism shine through. We want to see how your values align with our motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars', so share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Headteacher role. Highlight your extensive senior leadership experience and expertise in SEND/autism provision, as well as any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team.
Be Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance. Remember, we’re looking for strong leaders who can communicate effectively!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest Bridge School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the school’s approach to education, especially regarding ABA and tailored curriculum pathways. Familiarise yourself with their motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars', and think about how your leadership style aligns with this vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided strategic and inspirational leadership in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve led multidisciplinary teams and driven excellence in teaching and therapeutic provision for pupils with complex needs.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Demonstrate your understanding of the school’s commitment to innovation and high expectations. Think about how you can contribute to shaping the next phase of development and impact, and be prepared to share your ideas during the interview.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires a strong grasp of data-driven assessment, come prepared with examples of how you’ve used data to drive school improvement and raise standards. This will show that you’re not just a leader but a strategic thinker who values evidence-based practice.
