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- Tasks: Lead a new independent special school, shaping its vision and culture from day one.
- Company: Exciting opportunity with a brand-new independent special education school in Eastleigh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students with additional needs and lead a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experienced education leader with a passion for special education and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Significant autonomy to create a positive school culture and drive excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Be among the first 25 applicants. Lead a brand-new independent special school in Eastleigh.
About the Role
Excellent opportunity for an exceptional and experienced school leader to become the founding Principal of a brand-new independent special education school in Eastleigh, Hampshire. This role offers the chance to shape the school’s vision, culture, and direction from its very first day, creating an outstanding environment for students with additional learning needs to thrive. The Principal will hold full operational responsibility for the school, driving excellence in teaching and learning while ensuring full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. This pivotal role involves leading and developing a dedicated team, overseeing curriculum design, managing budgets, and building strong relationships with local authorities, parents, and external partners. The position requires a strategic and inspirational leader passionate about special education and committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for all students.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide visionary leadership and clear strategic direction for the school.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, child protection, and independent school standards.
- Lead and develop the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and School Advisory Panel (SAP).
- Oversee curriculum design, development, and quality assurance processes.
- Drive financial sustainability while maintaining high educational and pastoral standards.
- Build positive partnerships with parents, carers, and local authorities.
- Monitor student progress and implement effective interventions.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
- Represent the school within the wider education community and at relevant events.
Candidate Profile
- Strong working knowledge of the Independent School Standards.
- Qualified education professional with significant experience in SEN settings.
- Minimum of 5 years’ post‑qualification leadership experience.
- In-depth understanding of safeguarding, compliance, and quality assurance.
- Proven experience in school financial management and strategic planning.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision‑making abilities.
- Demonstrated passion for supporting students with additional learning needs.
- Ability to lead improvement strategies and maintain exceptional standards.
Why This Role?
- Opportunity to lead and shape a brand‑new school from its inception.
- Significant autonomy to develop a strong and positive school culture.
- Chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Ongoing professional development and leadership support.
Experienced education leaders with a proven record of success and a passion for special education are encouraged to apply. To apply: Please send a cover letter and CV to hello@navwalkerta.com.
Principal (Headteacher) Special Education employer: Nav Walker Talent Acquisition
Contact Detail:
Nav Walker Talent Acquisition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal (Headteacher) Special Education
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in special education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with the hiring team, share your vision for the school and how you plan to create an inclusive environment. Let them see your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in special education. Be ready to discuss how you would implement innovative strategies to support students with additional needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal (Headteacher) Special Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for special education and your vision for the school. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements.
Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the key responsibilities and candidate profile outlined in the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership experience and how you’ve driven excellence in SEN settings.
Showcase Your Vision: In both your cover letter and CV, make sure to articulate your vision for the new school. We want to know how you plan to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students with additional learning needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nav Walker Talent Acquisition
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for the school. Be ready to articulate how you would shape the culture and direction from day one. This role is all about leadership, so showing that you have a clear plan will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Expertise
Make sure you highlight your experience in special education and your understanding of the Independent School Standards. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or implemented strategies in SEN settings. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with parents, local authorities, and external partners. Be prepared to discuss your approach to collaboration and communication. This role requires strong partnerships, so demonstrating your ability to engage effectively will be key.
✨Showcase Financial Acumen
Since financial sustainability is crucial, come prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and strategic planning. Share examples of how you've driven financial success in previous roles, as this will reassure them that you can handle the operational responsibilities of the school.
