At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a special school, inspiring excellence in education and therapeutic support for students 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 supportive community dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children with autism and lead a passionate, multidisciplinary 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.
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.
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.
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. Job in Maidenhead Education & Training Jobs in Thatcham employer: Harris Hill Independent Schools
As a leading special free school in Maidenhead, we pride ourselves on our innovative approach to education and therapy for children with autism. Our commitment to high expectations and transformational outcomes creates a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration among our multidisciplinary team. With a focus on delivering outstanding education and life opportunities, we offer a unique environment where passionate educators can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils and their families.
Contact Details:
Harris Hill Independent Schools Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher. Job in Maidenhead Education & Training Jobs 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 personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Headteacher role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and current practices. Familiarise yourself with their integrated approach and be ready to discuss how you can enhance their mission of 'Through Adversity to the Stars'.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and driven school improvement. Highlight your experience with ABA and tailored curriculum strategies to really stand out.
✨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. Job in Maidenhead Education & Training Jobs in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your passion for education and working with children shine through. We want to see how your values align with our motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars', so share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of pupils with autism.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the role of Headteacher at our school. Highlight your extensive senior leadership experience and how it relates to our integrated approach combining ABA and evidence-based practices. We love seeing candidates who understand our unique environment!
Be Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Keep your application clear and concise, focusing on your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help us quickly see why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our innovative approach to education.
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 innovative practices.
✨Showcase Your Experience with SEND
Highlight your extensive experience in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly with autism provision. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams and improved outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your strategic planning abilities. Think about times when you've driven school improvement or raised standards. Use data-driven examples to illustrate how you've made impactful decisions that align with the school's goals.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's future direction, team dynamics, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
