Headteacher in Stoke-on-Trent

The Headteacher is the lead professional and role model for the school community, responsible for providing visionary and operational leadership that ensures high quality education, safeguarding, and wellbeing for pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviours. This role demands a commitment to the school’s ethos of trauma-informed, therapeutic practice and the EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Caring), fostering a positive, inclusive, and safe environment where every pupil can thrive.

At Snowhill School, we are a small independent school that supports students who may have previously experienced difficulties accessing their education. We are committed to ensuring that all students learn and are engaged in the appropriate programme of study, which allows them to successfully re-engage with education and achieve their very best outcomes. We offer a very broad and balanced curriculum that enables pupils to undertake examinations and gain qualifications including GCSEs, BTECs, and functional skills. We also have access to a wide range of adventurous subjects which include water sports, mountain biking, archery, horse-riding, etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain the school’s ethos, strategic vision, and direction.
• Create a culture where pupils and staff experience a positive, enriching, and safe school life, promoting respect, inclusion, and high aspirations.
• Foster a trauma-informed and therapeutic environment.
• Establish and sustain high-quality, expert teaching across all subjects and phases, based on evidence-informed practices and understanding of how pupils learn.
• Lead curriculum design and implementation ensuring a broad, balanced, structured, and coherent entitlement, tailored to pupils’ individual needs, including vocational and therapeutic elements.
• Develop and support subject leaders and teaching staff through professional networks, coaching, and research-informed continuous training.
• Establish and maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour and courteous conduct, underpinned by clear rules, routines, and positive relationships as set out in the school’s behaviour policy and the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Ensure effective pastoral care systems that support pupils’ mental health, wellbeing, and personal development in partnership with families and external agencies.
• Ensure the school meets statutory SEND requirements and provides tailored, high-quality support for pupils with additional needs.
• Lead the SENDCO and pastoral teams to monitor and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and personalised learning pathways.
• Foster collaborative partnerships securing appropriate provision and support.
• Manage resources effectively, including staffing, finance, and facilities, ensuring alignment with educational priorities and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards and all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Work closely with the governing body to provide accurate information, strategic advice, and support governance effectiveness while preparing governance reports and ensuring compliance with Independent School Standards.
• Encourage staff to engage in sustained, high-quality professional development aligned with the Staff Code of Conduct’s emphasis on collaboration and research-informed practice.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational setting.
• Deep understanding of the Ofsted independent school inspection framework, statutory duties, and safeguarding.
• Commitment to the Nolan Principles and highest standards of professional conduct as outlined in the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Ability to develop and implement a clear vision and strategic plan for school improvement.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• QTS is a requirement; NPQSL or equivalent.

Benefits of Joining Keys Group

• Fully funded CPD training for all staff in our schools.
• Enhanced pay scales that recognise both qualifications and experience for all staff.
• Extensive senior management support from Regional Managers and Regional Directors.
• Centralised head office function offering supportive delivery of finance, payroll, HR, and recruitment function.
• Established network of collaborative Headteachers, across our schools, offering regular Headteacher conferences, peer support, and sharing school improvement ideas across the group.
• Group wide budgets for a range of critical resources such as estates, job boards, and learning and development.
• A dedicated School Administrator to provide an administrative support function to the Headteacher.
• Access to our in-house Principal and Assistant Educational Psychologists providing support for students and leaders within our schools.
• Support from our Clinical Team which includes Psychologists and Attachment Aware Training.
• Weekly Headteacher wellbeing drop-in sessions.
• Enhanced programme of 10 INSET days.
• Enhanced company maternity & paternity pay.
• Access to a blue light discount card for all employees.
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you.
• Life assurance.

Keys Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an interview when their military experience is detailed in their CV. We provide veteran-friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.