Head Teacher - Dryden School in Gateshead

The Governing Body of Dryden School is seeking to appoint a headteacher with a background of teaching excellence and a clear and demonstrable commitment to special education. You will have the vision and the strategic leadership to enhance the quality of all areas of provision and ensure outcomes for children are at the heart of everything that is done. You will be expected to lead a dedicated and high-performing staff team whilst motivating and supporting a positive culture of improvement. You will be an inspirational leader who will use the opportunities and facilities offered to innovate and develop the school into a flagship provider and community resource. As Headteacher, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic development of the school, recognising our many strengths and building upon these to ensure every child thrives. If you believe in leading with empathy, integrity and a steadfast belief in every child’s potential, we would be delighted to hear from you.

As our new Headteacher, you will be:

• An accomplished leader with a proven record of driving improvement and sustaining excellence in special education.
• Deeply knowledgeable about SEND pedagogy, curriculum design and holistic assessment, able to translate national frameworks into meaningful practice.
• Committed to inclusion, ensuring every child’s needs are met through personalised pathways and high expectations.
• Strategic and reflective, skilled at identifying strengths and shaping next steps through evidence-informed decision-making.
• A visible, empathetic presence, fostering trust and wellbeing among pupils, families and staff.
• An exceptional communicator, building strong partnerships with governors, families and the wider Dryden community.
• A collaborative leader, empowering staff to innovate, share expertise and thrive within a culture of professional growth.
• A champion for every child, ensuring safety, dignity and achievement are at the heart of all we do.
• Authentic and principled, leading with integrity, compassion and a deep understanding of special school contexts.

In return, we offer:

• An outstanding school (Ofsted Jan 2025) with many existing strengths and a clear ambition to keep growing.
• Dedicated, skilled staff who bring creativity, care and professionalism to their work.
• Positive relationships with families and the wider Dryden community.
• A warm, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child is valued and celebrated.
• Children who inspire us daily with their curiosity, resilience and pride in their achievements.
• A strong culture of teamwork and mutual respect, underpinned by shared commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supportive governors who champion inclusion and strategic development.
• A setting where wellbeing and professional fulfilment are prioritised for pupils and staff alike.
• The opportunity to shape the next chapter of Dryden’s journey and make a lasting impact on children’s lives.

Closing date Tuesday 15th September 2026. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 23rd September 2026. Visits to the school are most welcome. Please contact the School Business Manager, Angela Young on 0191 420 3812. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact David Milligan (School Improvement Partner) - davidmilligan@gateshead.gov.uk.