At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new SEND college, transforming education for young people with complex needs.
- Company: Innovative independent provider focused on specialist education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and the chance to shape future education.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to improving outcomes and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in SEND or specialist education.
Integrity Education Solutions are supporting a specialist independent provider with an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and visionary senior leader to take on the role of Principal at a new forward-thinking specialist SEND college – (19 – 25 years), opening in September 2026, based in the West Midlands. This is a pivotal leadership position for a passionate individual who is committed to transforming outcomes for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and shaping the future of specialist education provision.
The organisation delivers a highly personalised, therapeutically informed education model, designed specifically to support young people with complex needs as they transition into adulthood. Its approach integrates education, emotional wellbeing, independence development, and employability, ensuring learners are fully prepared for meaningful and sustainable adult lives.
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across the college, driving excellence in education delivery, safeguarding, quality assurance, and outcomes. They will play a key role in further developing a model that is already closely aligned with national SEND reforms, including a strong focus on Preparation for Adulthood outcomes such as independent living, employment, community participation, and wellbeing.
The Role
As Principal, you will be responsible for leading the college’s vision, growth, and day-to-day operations, ensuring the highest standards of education, care, and student experience. Working closely with senior leadership and external stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement, maintain regulatory compliance, and position the college as a leading provider within the SEND sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the college, ensuring alignment with SEND reforms and organisational vision
- Lead on quality of education, curriculum design, and outcomes for learners with complex SEND needs
- Champion a therapeutically informed, EHCP-led approach to education and student development
- Ensure outstanding safeguarding practices and a culture of student wellbeing and safety
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Local Authorities, commissioners, and external partners
- Drive occupancy, growth, and sustainable service development
- Oversee financial performance, resource planning, and operational effectiveness
- Lead, inspire, and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a high-performance culture
- Ensure compliance with Ofsted frameworks and all regulatory requirements
- Act as a key ambassador for the organisation within the sector
About You
The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced senior leader within education or specialist SEND provision, with a proven track record of delivering outstanding outcomes and leading high-performing teams. You will demonstrate:
- Significant leadership experience as a Principal, Headteacher, or senior leader within SEND or specialist education
- Strong understanding of EHCP processes, SEND Code of Practice, and post-16/post-18 provision
- Experience working with Local Authorities and commissioning processes
- A deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people with complex needs
- Proven ability to drive quality, growth, and operational excellence
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and resources
- A collaborative and values-driven leadership style
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to lead an innovative and impactful organisation that is redefining success in SEND education. The college’s model focuses on real-world outcomes, including independence, wellbeing, and employability, rather than solely academic attainment, ensuring learners are fully prepared for adulthood. You will play a central role in shaping the future of specialist provision, influencing system-wide change, and making a lasting difference to the lives of young people and their families.
If you are a strategic, compassionate, and driven leader ready to take on a high-impact role, we would welcome your application.
Salary: £85,000 - £100,000 (Dependent on experience)
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.
Headteacher in Walsall employer: Integrity Education Solutions Limited
Integrity Education Solutions offers a unique opportunity for passionate leaders to make a significant impact in the field of specialist education. With a strong commitment to transforming outcomes for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the college fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the West Midlands, this forward-thinking institution provides a supportive environment where leaders can drive excellence and shape the future of SEND provision, ensuring meaningful and rewarding employment for those dedicated to making a difference.
Contact Detail:
Integrity Education Solutions Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your vision for transforming outcomes for young people with SEND. Let them see your commitment and how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest SEND reforms and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in a new college setting. Knowledge is power, and it shows you’re serious about the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for transforming outcomes for young people with SEND shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference and how your vision aligns with our innovative approach.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading SEND or specialist education. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive quality and operational excellence, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our new college.
How to prepare for a job interview at Integrity Education Solutions Limited
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but that you can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience and how you've driven quality and growth in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you inspired a team or improved outcomes for students with complex needs.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with Local Authorities and external partners. This role requires strong stakeholder engagement, so having concrete examples of successful collaborations will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Safeguarding
Since the college prioritises student wellbeing and safety, come prepared to talk about your approach to safeguarding practices. Share any initiatives you've led that foster a culture of care and support for students.
