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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dedicated team to support vulnerable children in their educational journey.
- Company: Kirby Moor School, part of the Polaris Community, committed to compassionate education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, enhanced pension, and employee discount schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while fostering a supportive school culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status, NPQH or similar, and proven leadership experience in education.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on improving pupil outcomes and emotional wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Kirby Moor School is looking for a collaborative, inspiring, and values-driven Headteacher who can combine strategic leadership with a visible, supportive presence across our school community. Working in partnership with the Executive Headteacher, the successful candidate will engage closely with staff, pupils, and families to ensure school priorities align with our organisation's wider vision. You will lead and empower two Deputy Headteachers (one per site), fostering their growth and creating a strong, cohesive leadership team.
About our School:
Kirby Moor School supports up to 75 boys aged 7-18 with social emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Operating across two sites, the main Kirby Moor site in Brampton and Herdley Bank site in Haltwhistle, the school provides a broad and balanced curriculum to prepare children and young people for their next step - whether this be further education, employment or training. Rated Good by Ofsted, Kirby Moor School is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing, and achievement of every child.
Role responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a vision that aligns with our ethos of the Polaris Community embracing compassion, inclusion, and personalized learning.
- Provide clear, confident leadership across both school sites, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, care, and outcomes for pupils.
- Lead the school to consistently meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework.
Requirements:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree (or equivalent).
- The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or similar.
- Proven experience of successful leadership within a specialist, independent, or alternative provision setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, coach, and motivate others.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing school budgets within a governance framework.
- Sound knowledge of safeguarding, SEND, and the Independent School Standards.
- A trauma-informed approach and a commitment to maintaining a therapeutic, inclusive school culture.
- The ability to form strong relationships with key stakeholders and the wider community.
What we offer:
- A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody.
- A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities.
- An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high quality teaching in a safe educational provision.
- A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this role further, please contact Zoe Chittenden.
Headteacher employer: North Lakes Children
Contact Detail:
North Lakes Children 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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with Kirby Moor School's commitment to compassion and inclusion. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've inspired teams or improved outcomes. This will help you demonstrate your experience and approach during interviews, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Polaris Community and contributing to our mission.
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 your values align with our mission at Kirby Moor School, so don’t hold back on sharing your enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of young people.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the Headteacher role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who understand our ethos!
Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Keep your application clear and concise, focusing on the most important points. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications and experiences.
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 the role. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the position and our school community there.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Lakes Children
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the school. Think about how it aligns with the ethos of the Polaris Community. Be ready to articulate how you would implement this vision and inspire others to embrace it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style, especially in a collaborative environment. Highlight experiences where you've successfully led teams, empowered staff, and fostered a supportive culture, particularly in settings similar to Kirby Moor School.
✨Engage with the Community
Research Kirby Moor School and its community. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with staff, pupils, and families. Show that you understand the importance of building strong relationships and how this contributes to a positive school environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing school budgets is crucial, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting and how you can ensure the school meets its financial goals while maintaining high standards of education and care.
