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 dynamic environment focused on collaboration and continuous growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education for children with autism and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in SEND/autism and a strong commitment to pupil outcomes.
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 in Thatcham 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 in Thatcham
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent developments. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their mission of 'Through Adversity to the Stars' and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and how you’ve driven excellence in education. We want to hear about your successes and how you can inspire others.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Thatcham
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 teams and drive excellence in teaching and learning. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and accountability in previous roles.
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 allows you to keep track of your application status easily!
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 and vision. Familiarise yourself with how they integrate ABA and evidence-based practices into their curriculum. This will help you align your responses with their values and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, especially in SEND or autism provisions. Highlight how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams and driven school improvement. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Their Approach
Be ready to discuss your understanding of integrated education models and how you would implement them. Share your thoughts on fostering collaboration among teachers, therapists, and parents. This shows that you’re not just a leader but also a team player who values a cohesive approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to safeguarding and pupil outcomes. This will showcase your readiness for the role.
