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- Tasks: Lead and inspire exceptional development for students with complex needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Castle Hill School, a specialist school dedicated to empowering students aged 3 to 19.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tailored development, coaching, and extensive professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while shaping the future of specialist education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in special needs education and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Other info: Join a thriving leadership team and contribute to a culture of excellence and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Castle Hill School, an outstanding specialist school in Huddersfield, meets the needs of over 130 students aged 3 to 19 with a range of additional needs, including severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties. The school is purpose-built and provides a bespoke learning environment that continually adapts to meet evolving student needs. Ofsted praised the school for allowing pupils to thrive in a caring, encouraging environment where vision to innovate, communicate and empower is a lived reality.
Contract and Compensation
- Contract: Leadership
- Position type: Permanent
- Salary: £93,424 – £108,202
- Hours: Full time
- Start date: 1 September 2026
- Interview week: 23 February 2026
Responsibilities
- Champion exceptional student development and life chances for children with complex needs.
- Create a safe, joyful and highly personalised environment where children and young people thrive.
- Lead with warmth, credibility and presence, inspiring confidence among staff, students, families and the wider community.
- Inspire and grow great staff, building a culture where staff feel valued, supported and professionally fulfilled.
- Shape and strengthen SEND excellence across the Trust, embedding high-quality practice and sharing expertise with mainstream schools.
- Demonstrate ambition for future specialist provision, positioning Castle Hill as a centre of excellence and vision for additional specialist provision.
Qualifications
- Experience of leading a specialist special needs school or equivalent leadership role.
- Track record of success in curriculum development, staff professional development and delivering high-quality outcomes for children with complex needs.
- Outstanding leadership skills, visible, trusted and values-led.
- Commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, with an enhanced DBS check and adherence to safeguarding policy.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a Trust and external partners to embed high-quality SEND practice.
Benefits and Development
- Work with a thriving leadership team, receive tailored development, coaching and mentoring, and benefit from a suite of incentives that support your financial, professional and personal wellness.
- Extensive professional development opportunities are available, enabling boundless growth alongside the role.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All staff must comply with an enhanced DBS check. A public online search will be conducted for shortlisted candidates in line with Department for Education guidance.
Closing Date 10 February 2026, 9:00 AM
Principal - Castle Hill School in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal - Castle Hill School in Huddersfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with special needs. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Castle Hill School thoroughly. Understand their ethos and how they support students with complex needs. This will help you align your vision with theirs during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've inspired and developed staff in previous roles. We want to see your warmth and credibility shine through.
✨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 Principal - Castle Hill School in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific needs and values of Castle Hill School. Highlight your experience with complex needs and how you can contribute to creating that safe, joyful environment for students.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your outstanding leadership skills in action! Share examples of how you've inspired and supported staff in previous roles, and how you plan to build a culture of growth and fulfilment at Castle Hill.
Emphasise Your Commitment to SEND Excellence: Demonstrate your passion for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by sharing your track record in curriculum development and high-quality outcomes. We’re looking for someone who can shape and strengthen SEND excellence across the Trust.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Castle Hill School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Students
Before the interview, take some time to research Castle Hill School and its unique student population. Understand the specific needs of children with complex learning difficulties and think about how you can champion their development. This will show your commitment and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the school's vision. Think of examples where you've inspired staff and created a supportive environment. Highlight your ability to lead with warmth and credibility, as this is crucial for building trust within the school community.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Be ready to talk about your experience working with external partners and mainstream schools. Share specific instances where you've successfully embedded high-quality SEND practices. This demonstrates your ability to collaborate effectively and strengthen SEND excellence across the Trust.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Articulate your ambition for the future of specialist provision at Castle Hill. Discuss innovative ideas you have for enhancing the learning environment and how you plan to position the school as a centre of excellence. This will show that you're forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement.
