Headteacher in Horsham

Integrity Education Solutions are supporting an outstanding independent SEN group seeking to appoint a new Principal from October 2026 on a permanent basis within one of their schools based in West Sussex.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an expanding specialist educational provision that supports children and young people aged 3–19 years with neurological motor impairments, including Cerebral Palsy, alongside associated medical, physical, communication and sensory needs.

Set within beautiful grounds and purpose-built facilities, the school delivers an innovative and holistic approach to learning, placing the individual needs of every learner at the centre of its provision.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across the educational campus, overseeing multiple provisions while preserving the unique identity of each setting.

They will lead a multidisciplinary team, drive educational excellence, and ensure outstanding outcomes for pupils, staff, and stakeholders alike.

The Role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, the Principal will have overall responsibility for the strategic direction, operational performance, and continued development of the educational provision.

This is a highly influential leadership position requiring a dynamic and commercially aware leader with the ability to inspire teams, strengthen partnerships, and deliver exceptional educational experiences for children and young people with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership across the educational provision, driving strategic development, innovation, and sustainable growth.
• Lead school improvement initiatives to ensure consistently high standards of education, safeguarding, and learner outcomes.
• Oversee operational performance, including budgets, resource management, occupancy, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, develop, and inspire multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Local Authorities, commissioners, governors, parents, and external partners.
• Ensure every learner receives a personalised, high-quality educational experience that promotes independence, wellbeing, and long-term success.
• Champion quality assurance and continuous improvement to achieve outstanding inspection outcomes and maintain the school's reputation for excellence.
• About the Candidate

The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior education leader with a proven track record of leading complex educational environments and delivering sustainable improvement.

You will demonstrate

• QTS | QTLS
• NPQH (Desirable)
• Significant senior leadership experience within education.
• Experience leading complex or multi-site educational provision.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, education legislation, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, financial management, and service development.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and people management skills.
• The ability to build effective relationships with governors, commissioners, Local Authorities, parents, and multidisciplinary professionals.
• A commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes for children and young people with complex needs.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to contribute to organisational growth and long-term sustainability.

Why Apply?

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a thriving and growing specialist school that provides life-changing education for children and young people with complex physical, communication, and sensory needs.

The successful candidate will join an organisation recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of specialist education and care, offering a collaborative leadership culture, excellent professional development opportunities, and the autonomy to shape the future direction of the provision.

Staff are genuinely valued and supported, with access to a comprehensive wellbeing and benefits package, ongoing leadership development, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of pupils and their families every day.

If this role is of interest, please contact Kenny Fraser at Integrity Education Solutions.

Integrity Education Solutions and the school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS and full pre-employment checks.

Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community