At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a special school, inspiring excellence in autism education and supporting diverse pupil needs.
- 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 continuous growth and pupil success.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education for children with autism and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent, extensive leadership experience in SEND/autism provision.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
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 devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or by clicking the 'Apply' button. For a confidential discussion or candidate information pack, please contact Devra Farhi at 020 7820 7308 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 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 high expectations, collaborative work culture, and continuous professional development ensures that our staff are supported and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils. Join us in shaping the future of autism education while enjoying a fulfilling career in a nurturing environment that values every team member's contribution.
Contact Details:
Harris Hill Independent Schools Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨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 opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for autism education! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your experiences and insights on how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent developments. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and demonstrate how your leadership style aligns with their mission of delivering outstanding education and support.
✨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 team that champions excellence in autism education.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Headteacher role. Highlight your leadership experience in SEND/autism provisions and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the perfect fit!
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 school that focuses on autism education. Share your vision and how you can contribute to our motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars'.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In both your CV and cover letter, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We want to know how you motivate and develop teams, and how you foster collaboration across different disciplines. Be specific about your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and stands out in our system. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Hill Independent Schools
✨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, make sure you understand the school's motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars', and how it reflects their approach to education. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering outstanding education for pupils with autism.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your extensive senior leadership experience within SEND/autism provision. Highlight your success in leading multidisciplinary teams and driving school improvement, as these are key aspects of the Headteacher role.
✨Engage with Their Approach
Familiarise yourself with ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and evidence-based practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these strategies in the school’s curriculum and therapeutic support, showcasing your understanding of tailored learning pathways for pupils with complex needs.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the school's future plans, how they measure success in pupil outcomes, or how they foster collaboration among staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
