At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire Newham’s Virtual School to improve educational outcomes for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Newham, a vibrant community focused on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, market supplement, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while shaping their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for supporting vulnerable youth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to anti-racism and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 67194 - 82809 £ per year.
This is an excellent opportunity to drive forward, at a strategic and operational level, the best possible educational and employment outcomes for children looked after and previously looked after, care leavers and children with a social worker. In this role, you will provide inspirational and effective leadership and management of Newham’s Virtual School. This includes leading and promoting outstanding practice that supports children and young people’s engagement in education, employment and training, both to improve their educational outcomes and to help keep them safe from harm.
Responsibilities
- Provide inspirational and effective leadership and management of Newham’s Virtual School.
- Lead and promote outstanding practice that supports children and young people’s engagement in education, employment and training, to improve educational outcomes and keep them safe from harm.
- Champion the education needs of the Virtual School's cohort of children and young people across the whole Education service, the wider Children and Young People’s Service, schools and other education settings and other local and national stakeholders.
- Report to the Assistant Director for Education Access and Sufficiency.
- Collaborate with a passionate and supportive team of colleagues to give every child and young person the best possible opportunities and tackle inequality.
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti‑racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity.
Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by here.
Closing date: 17th April 2026
Contact
For further information, please contact Peter Gibb, Co-Director of Education and Inclusion, peter.gibb@newham.gov.uk
Virtual School Headteacher employer: London Borough of Newham
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Newham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Virtual School Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to virtual schools. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for improving educational outcomes shine through. Share stories of how you've made a difference in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Know the ins and outs of Newham’s Virtual School and its mission. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with theirs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Virtual School Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting children shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and lead, so share your experiences that highlight your commitment to improving educational outcomes.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the role of Virtual School Headteacher. Use the job description as a guide and clearly explain how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined. This is your chance to stand out!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Stick to the two A4 sides limit for your supporting statement and make every word count. Use bullet points if it helps to keep your ideas organised and easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter and making a difference in the lives of young people.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Newham
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, think about how your leadership can drive educational outcomes for children looked after and care leavers. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired teams or improved engagement in education.
✨Champion Inclusivity
Familiarise yourself with the values of inclusivity and anti-racism that Newham promotes. Prepare to discuss how you would create an inclusive environment for all students and how your past experiences align with these values.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Think of instances where you've successfully partnered with schools or community services to enhance educational opportunities for young people.
✨Prepare Your Supporting Statement
Craft a compelling supporting statement that clearly outlines how you meet the criteria for the role. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your passion for education and your strategic vision for leading a Virtual School.