At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a special school, ensuring outstanding education and support for pupils with autism.
- Company: A leading special free school in Maidenhead, known for innovation and high expectations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of autism education and inspire a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent, extensive leadership experience in SEND/autism provision.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application. A leading special free school in Maidenhead, Berkshire, which caters to children and young people with a primary diagnosis of autism, is seeking a new Headteacher for January 2027 or earlier. This rare opportunity has arisen as the current Headteacher will be transitioning into a CEO role. 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 Role
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.
We are looking for a candidate who has:
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- 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.
If you are inspired by the opportunity of leading a thriving school which combines a multi-disciplinary approach and tailored programmes to help every pupil thrive, please forward your CV and covering letter to or by clicking the 'Apply' button. For a confidential discussion or candidate information pack, please contact Devra Farhi at for further details. Applications close Thursday, 25th June, at 9 am, with first interviews (online) on Tuesday, 30th June, and in-person second interviews commencing the week of 6th July. Harris Hill 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 Bracknell employer: Harris Hill Independent Schools
As a leading special free school in Maidenhead, Berkshire, we pride ourselves on our innovative approach to education for children and young people with autism. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our supportive work culture, where collaboration and professional growth are at the forefront, providing ample opportunities for leadership development. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils and their families, as we strive to create transformational outcomes through a dedicated and multidisciplinary team.
Contact Details:
Harris Hill Independent Schools Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Bracknell
✨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 the role and even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and current initiatives. Show us how your vision aligns with their motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars', and be ready to discuss how you can drive excellence in their unique environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on showcasing your leadership style and how you’ve successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past.
✨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 serious about joining a school that values innovation and high expectations.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership roles, especially in SEND or autism provisions, to show us you’re the right fit for our school.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about leading a special free school and how your vision aligns with our motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars'.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated and developed staff to achieve excellence in education and therapeutic support.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Hill Independent Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the school’s approach to autism education, especially their use of ABA and evidence-based practices. Familiarise yourself with their motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars', and think about how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you’ve successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve motivated staff and fostered a culture of collaboration and accountability.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Demonstrate your understanding of the school’s goals and how you can contribute to their next phase of development. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to enhance pupil outcomes and support families, and be prepared to discuss these during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the school. Inquire about their current challenges, future plans, and how they measure success in both educational and therapeutic contexts. This will show you’re not just looking for a job, but are truly invested in their mission.
