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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist school, inspiring pupils with complex needs to thrive academically and socially.
- Company: A nurturing school dedicated to supporting students with challenging behaviours.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, training opportunities, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping an inclusive educational environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in special education and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to continuous improvement and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Sudbury
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 + Bonus Scheme
Hours: Full Time (40 hours per week)
Ofsted Rating: Good
About the Role
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced Headteacher to lead a specialist school supporting pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviours. This is a rewarding opportunity for a passionate leader to shape the future of a nurturing and ambitious educational environment. As the lead professional and role model, you will provide both visionary and operational leadership, ensuring high standards of education, safeguarding, and wellbeing. You will create a culture of aspiration, inclusion, and safety where every pupil is supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About the School
This is a unique and nurturing setting that places pupils at the heart of everything it does. The school provides a safe and secure environment where young people are encouraged to achieve beyond expectations. The curriculum is highly personalised, with a strong emphasis on personal development, life skills, social interaction, and offsite learning experiences. Community involvement and holistic support are key to ensuring pupils leave with confidence and skills for life.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and drive continuous school improvement through a clear and measurable improvement plan
- Develop strong partnerships with parents, carers, local communities, and external agencies to enhance pupil outcomes
- Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects, informed by evidence-based practice and understanding of complex needs
- Create and sustain a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture with high aspirations for all pupils
- Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, SEND statutory duties, and regulatory requirements
- Lead and inspire a diverse staff team, modelling professional conduct and high standards
- Oversee effective management of staffing, finances, and facilities, ensuring value for money and sustainability
- Take overall responsibility for financial performance, including budget planning and monitoring
Requirements
- A strong passion for supporting pupils with SEND
- Proven leadership experience within a special school or complex educational setting
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)
- In-depth knowledge of the Ofsted independent school inspection framework and safeguarding requirements
- Ability to inspire, motivate, and lead teams to achieve outstanding outcomes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, parents, and stakeholders
- Commitment to the Nolan Principles and the highest standards of professional conduct
- A clear vision for school improvement and the ability to deliver it effectively
Benefits
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Staff referral bonus (split £500 reward)
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Blue Light discount card
- Fully funded training and professional qualifications
- Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
- Employee wellbeing app and a wide range of discounts
- Life assurance
Headteacher employer: Leader Group
Contact Detail:
Leader Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on that perfect Headteacher role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine as a passionate leader!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out and get noticed.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting pupils with complex needs shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Headteacher. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our vision for the school. We love seeing candidates who understand our unique setting and values.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas effectively. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and vision.
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 fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leader Group
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the school. Think about how you would create a culture of aspiration and inclusion. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented similar strategies in the past.
✨Understand the Community
Research the local community and the specific needs of the pupils at the school. Show that you understand the importance of partnerships with parents and external agencies. Bring ideas on how to enhance pupil outcomes through community involvement.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles, especially in special education settings. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate staff, and be ready to provide examples of how you've driven continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
✨Be Ready for Safeguarding Questions
Since safeguarding is crucial, brush up on the Ofsted inspection framework and statutory duties related to SEND. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and create a safe environment for all pupils.
