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- Tasks: Lead daily school operations and ensure student wellbeing and engagement.
- Company: Goldwyn School is dedicated to supporting students with SEMH and ASD needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Visits to the school are encouraged; contact HR to arrange.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and understanding of SEMH and ASD needs required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Goldwyn School is seeking to appoint a dynamic, highly motivated, and experienced professional to lead the day-to-day operations, pastoral care, and safeguarding at our Great Chart site in Ashford. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who can inspire and guide a dedicated team, ensuring that all students, many with complex SEMH and ASD needs, are supported to thrive in a safe, respectful, and purposeful environment.
As Head of School, you will:
- Lead the daily running of the school, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality provision.
- Oversee pastoral care and act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the site.
- Monitor student engagement and wellbeing throughout the day, responding flexibly and proactively to emerging needs.
- Model a calm, boundaried, and solution-focused approach to behaviour management.
- Coordinate staff to ensure all students access the curriculum and interventions effectively.
- Work collaboratively with the Goldwyn Strategy Board and senior leaders to deliver the school’s vision: Aspire, Empower, Achieve.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Proven leadership experience in a specialist or mainstream educational setting.
- A deep understanding of SEMH and ASD needs.
- Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
- The ability to lead with empathy, clarity, and resilience.
- A commitment to inclusive education and student-centred practice.
In return, we offer:
- A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
- A passionate and skilled staff body.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
We warmly welcome visits to our school. To arrange a visit, please contact Tina Brobyn, HR Manager, at tina.brobyn@goldwyn.kent.sch.uk.
Visits are available on the following dates: Thursday 26 June, Wednesday 2 July.
Head of School, Ashford - Full Time employer: Goldwyn School
Contact Detail:
Goldwyn School Recruiting Team
tina.brobyn@goldwyn.kent.sch.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School, Ashford - Full Time
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Goldwyn School's ethos and values, particularly their focus on inclusive education and student-centred practice. This will help you align your leadership style with their vision and demonstrate your commitment during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience with SEMH and ASD needs in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported students with these challenges, as this will showcase your understanding and capability in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members if possible. Gaining insights into the school's culture and operational dynamics can provide you with valuable information that you can reference in conversations or interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider visiting the school on the designated dates to get a feel for the environment and meet key personnel. This proactive approach not only shows your interest but also allows you to ask questions that can inform your leadership strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School, Ashford - Full Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Head of School position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in leading educational settings, particularly with SEMH and ASD needs.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your leadership experience, skills, and achievements. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage operations, oversee pastoral care, and lead a team effectively.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for inclusive education and your commitment to student-centred practices. Highlight how your leadership style aligns with the school's vision of 'Aspire, Empower, Achieve' and provide examples of how you've successfully supported students with complex needs.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Goldwyn School
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in educational settings. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led a team, managed operations, or improved student outcomes, especially for those with SEMH and ASD needs.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of SEMH and ASD
Familiarise yourself with the complexities of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Be ready to share strategies you've implemented in the past to support students with these needs, showcasing your commitment to inclusive education.
✨Emphasise Interpersonal Skills
As a Head of School, strong interpersonal skills are crucial. Prepare to discuss how you build relationships with staff, students, and parents. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with diverse stakeholders to create a positive school environment.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Expect questions about behaviour management and how you would handle challenging situations. Think of specific instances where you modelled a calm and solution-focused approach, and be ready to explain your methods for maintaining a respectful and purposeful environment.