At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire both primary and secondary schools, fostering a nurturing environment for students.
- Company: The Hawkswood Group, committed to diversity and high educational standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to equality and inclusion in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with SEMH and SEND needs.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in specialist education settings and a passion for student well-being.
The predicted salary is between 77209 - 88812 £ per year.
The governors are looking for a new headteacher who has the drive, creativity and exceptional skills needed to lead both the primary and the secondary schools which are located together on this site. The successful candidate may come from either a primary or a secondary background; what is more important to governors is that they have the leadership skills and personal attributes to lead these two very special and unique schools. Both schools are already highly successful and therefore the governors are looking for a leader who can build upon their success and take them forward even further.
At the heart of both schools and fundamental to their success is a culture of nurturing and an understanding of the needs of the students in their care. With this in mind, the governors are looking for a leader who is able to inspire staff and gain their confidence, a leader who believes in the potential of young people and sets aspirational standards both academically and in all other aspects of their well-being. The successful candidate will be someone who is visible and approachable, someone who will lead by example and work with staff to create an effective team and a secure learning environment where students of all ages will thrive.
We are looking for an outstanding practitioner and leader who has:
- Experience of successful leadership in settings that provide specialist SEMH and SEND education.
- A commitment to the promotion of high standards and aspirations in teaching and learning.
- A detailed understanding of safeguarding and the ability to implement systems and practices that ensure the highest standards of safeguarding are met.
- The ability to inspire, motivate and lead a successful team of staff.
- An understanding of the value in partnership with senior leaders from other schools and institutions.
- An understanding of the challenges students with SEMH, SEND and neurodivergent needs face and the ability to adapt teaching and learning styles to address their individual requirements.
The Hawkswood Group is committed to promoting the safeguarding of children. Please note that this position requires an enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks will be carried out prior to appointment. As part of KCSIE 2025, all applicants will be subject to online searches. Applicants must be able to form and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries with children, young people and other vulnerable adults. Applicants should have the ability to understand the difficulties and pressures associated with caring for children/vulnerable adults and demonstrate appropriate coping mechanisms.
As a thriving and diverse school, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in The Hawkswood Group’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people.
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
- Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels.
- Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent services to all.
Respecting diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme.
Candidate pack will be available online on the Hawkswood Group website. Email address for return of applications: recruitment@hawkswoodgroup.org.uk
Web links to any further information: www.hawkswoodgroup.org.uk
Headteacher employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an excellent employer for those passionate about inclusive education, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. As a SENDCO & Inclusion Leader, you will be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and provides ample opportunities for development, all within a supportive community committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all learners.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Research Hawkswood Group and understand their values, especially around SEMH and SEND education. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their unique schools.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through educational forums. They can provide insights into the school's environment and what the governors are really looking for in a headteacher.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle specific challenges related to SEMH and SEND. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your vision! During the interview, share your ideas on how to build upon the existing success of the schools. Show them how you plan to create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
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 leadership shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate both staff and students, so share your vision for nurturing a thriving learning environment.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in SEMH and SEND education. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges these students face, so be specific about how your background aligns with our needs.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to know who you are as a leader. Share anecdotes or examples that demonstrate your approachability and commitment to building strong relationships within the school community.
Follow Application Instructions:Ensure you read the application guidelines carefully and submit your completed forms via the specified email. We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process, and double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Know Your Schools Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding both Hawkswood Primary and the Therapeutic Secondary. Familiarise yourself with their ethos, achievements, and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your leadership can build on their existing success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially in SEMH and SEND settings. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your ability to create a nurturing environment where both staff and students can thrive.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices. Discuss any systems you've implemented in previous roles that ensured the highest standards were met, and how you plan to uphold these at Hawkswood.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
The governors value diversity, so make sure to highlight your commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Share experiences where you've successfully worked with diverse groups and how you plan to ensure all students feel valued and supported in their learning journey.
