At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic school focused on autism education and support for children and young people.
- Company: Forest Bridge School, a highly regarded special free school in Maidenhead.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and shape the future of education for pupils with autism.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Inspire and lead a dedicated team while transforming lives through innovative educational practices.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent, extensive senior leadership experience in SEND/autism provision.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Forest Bridge School, a highly regarded special free school in Maidenhead, Berkshire, for 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 and candidate information pack, please contact Devra Farhi at 020 7820 7308 for further details. 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. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
Headteacher - Forest Bridge School (Maidenhead) employer: Harris Hill Independent Schools
Forest Bridge School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing a supportive and innovative environment for both staff and students. Located in Maidenhead, the school fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises professional development and wellbeing, ensuring that educators are equipped to deliver outstanding education and therapeutic support. With a strong commitment to excellence in autism education, employees have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while growing within a dynamic and forward-thinking institution.
Contact Details:
Harris Hill Independent Schools Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher - Forest Bridge School (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. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent developments. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about their mission of transforming lives through education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved standards, and made a difference in previous roles. We want to hear about your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - Forest Bridge School (Maidenhead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion 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'.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in SEND and autism provision. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve led teams and improved outcomes, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Forest Bridge School. Be sure to connect your leadership style and vision with our integrated approach to education and therapy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
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 it.
✨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 collaboration in previous roles.
✨Data is Key
Since the role involves a strong focus on data-driven assessment, come prepared with examples of how you’ve used data to drive school improvement and enhance pupil outcomes. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to excellence.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Express your enthusiasm for the school’s mission and how you plan to contribute to its next phase of development. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table that align with their goals and values.
