At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Oakdale School, driving change and ensuring high-quality outcomes for all pupils.
- Company: Join Kingfisher Learning Trust, a specialist MAT known for excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Supportive culture, commitment to staff wellbeing, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a dedicated and passionate staff team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience in a special school context.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
Kingfisher Learning Trust is looking for a talented, values‑driven Headteacher to lead Oakdale School through its next phase of development. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspirational leader with a strong moral purpose, a commitment to inclusion, and a passion for securing the very best outcomes for children with special educational needs. Oakdale School is part of Kingfisher Learning Trust, a specialist MAT with a strong reputation for excellence, collaboration and innovation. We are looking for a Headteacher who will champion our vision for endless possibilities, uphold our ethos and lead with aspiration, integrity and respect.
About the Role
- Provide strong, strategic leadership, ensuring the Trust's vision and values are embedded across the school.
- Lead organisational change and drive continuous improvement, securing high‑quality teaching, learning and outcomes for all pupils.
- Build and sustain a professional learning community focused on creativity, personalisation and high expectations.
- Ensure statutory responsibilities are met, including safeguarding, curriculum, assessment and the wider regulatory framework.
- Lead quality assurance processes, including preparation for inspection, reporting to the Local Governing Board and Trust Board, and evaluating school performance.
- Develop effective partnerships with parents, carers, governors, staff, external agencies and the wider Trust community.
- Promote a culture of inclusion, equality and diversity, ensuring every pupil receives their statutory rights and personalised support.
- Lead and develop staff through robust appraisal underpinned by action‑research, coaching and performance management, fostering a collaborative leadership model.
- Manage delegated resources effectively to achieve best value and secure excellent outcomes.
About You
- Successful experience of leading strategic organisational change, ideally within a special school context.
- A proven commitment to improving the quality of children’s learning and leading by example.
- Strong knowledge of effective teaching, learning and innovative curriculum design for pupils with SEND.
- Experience of monitoring, challenging and supporting staff to secure excellent practice.
- The ability to build excellent relationships with stakeholders including parents, governors, staff and external partners.
- Experience of system leadership and contributing to wider school improvement beyond one setting.
- A thorough understanding of national and local educational issues, including academies and Trust‑based governance.
- Emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to personal leadership development.
- The ability to communicate confidently with a range of audiences and act as an ambassador for the Trust.
Essential qualifications include:
- Qualified Teacher Status
- Degree‑level qualification
- Evidence of ongoing professional and leadership development
- NPQH
Why join Kingfisher Learning Trust?
- A Trust founded on respect for everyone within the Trust family by encouraging and celebrating diversity.
- A strong, supportive and values‑led Trust with a commitment to excellence in SEND as a beacon of inclusive practice.
- Research and reflective practice that ensures an ever‑evolving innovative provision across each school that gives everyone a voice and an opportunity to celebrate success.
- A collaborative leadership and supportive culture with opportunities for system leadership and professional growth.
- A dedicated, skilled and passionate staff team.
- A genuine commitment to staff wellbeing and development.
Visits to the school are welcome and can be arranged by contacting the Trust's Director of People and Organisational Development: adele.savage@kl-trust.org
Headteacher employer: Oakdale School
Kingfisher Learning Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. As a Headteacher at Oakdale School, you will benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth, wellbeing, and innovative practices in special educational needs. Join a passionate team committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children, where your leadership will be valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
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We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Oakdale School, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Oakdale School
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Oakdale School might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
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Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Oakdale School.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
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Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
