At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist school, shaping an inspiring educational environment for pupils with complex needs.
- Company: Birchwood School, part of a group supporting children with additional learning needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership network, and a culture of innovation.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with a skilled multi-disciplinary team.
- Why this job: Make a profound impact on the lives of children and young people in a nurturing setting.
- Qualifications: Dynamic leader with strong knowledge of education systems and safeguarding experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Birchwood School is seeking an exceptional and inspiring Head of Education to lead our specialist provision in Cardiff. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious, values‑driven leader to shape a truly unique educational environment where pupils with complex needs can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About Birchwood School
Birchwood School is part of a group of specialist schools supporting children and young people with a range of additional learning needs. Our approach is therapeutic, nurturing, and rooted in high expectations for every learner. With small class sizes, a skilled multi‑disciplinary team, and a commitment to innovation, Birchwood provides a unique environment where pupils and staff can excel.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Vision: Communicate and champion a compelling school vision that empowers pupils and staff to excel. Lead with integrity, creativity, resilience, and clarity, modelling positive relationships and behaviours. Translate local and national policy into meaningful practice within the school context. Ensure the school presents a coherent and accurate account of its performance to stakeholders including Estyn, the Local Authority, Welsh Government, parents, and the wider community.
- Safeguarding: Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking responsibility for safeguarding and child protection matters. Refer cases of suspected abuse, radicalisation concerns, or potential criminal activity through appropriate channels. Support staff making referrals and ensure safeguarding policies are fully embedded.
- Pupils & Staff: Set ambitious standards for all pupils, ensuring equality, inclusion, and high‑quality learning experiences. Secure excellent teaching through strong curriculum design, data analysis, and evidence‑based practice. Create a culture of open classrooms, collaboration, and professional growth. Recruit, develop, and retain a high‑quality staff team, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability. Promote an ethos where staff are motivated, supported, and held to high professional standards.
- Systems & Processes: Ensure school systems are efficient, transparent, and fit for purpose. Maintain a safe, calm, and well‑ordered environment focused on safeguarding and exemplary behaviour. Support performance management processes and address under‑performance where necessary. Contribute to strategic financial planning and ensure resources are deployed effectively. Maintain safe premises and ensure compliance with statutory frameworks, reporting, and attendance expectations.
- Continuous School Improvement: Lead the day‑to‑day implementation of the School Improvement Plan, monitoring progress against measurable milestones. Maintain a robust self‑evaluation framework to identify strengths and areas for development. Build strong partnerships with other schools, agencies, and professionals to share best practice and improve outcomes. Promote innovation, research‑informed practice, and a culture of continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For:
- A dynamic, forward‑thinking leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Strong knowledge of education systems locally and nationally, with a passion for continuous professional development.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire confidence across staff, pupils, families, and external partners.
- Experience in safeguarding leadership and a strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice.
- A collaborative, resilient, and principled leader who thrives in a values‑driven environment.
Why Join Us?
- The opportunity to lead a highly specialist school with a strong therapeutic ethos.
- A supportive senior leadership network across multiple schools.
- A culture that values innovation, professional growth, and high‑quality education.
- The chance to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
Head of Education in Cardiff employer: Orbis Education and Care
Birchwood School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Head of Education to lead a specialist provision in Cardiff. With a strong therapeutic ethos and a commitment to innovation, the school fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration among staff. Employees benefit from small class sizes, a skilled multi-disciplinary team, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Education in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Birchwood School and its values. Understand their approach to education and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions and have some thoughtful questions ready to ask them too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. We love hearing about your successes and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, especially in a values-driven environment like Birchwood.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Birchwood School. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Education in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to this cause.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically to Birchwood School and the Head of Education role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our values and the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your ideas flow logically.
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, it gives you a chance to explore more about Birchwood School and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orbis Education and Care
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for education and how it aligns with Birchwood School's values. Be ready to articulate how you would communicate and champion this vision to inspire both pupils and staff.
✨Showcase Your Safeguarding Experience
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed safeguarding issues. Highlight your understanding of trauma-informed practices and how you've implemented them in previous settings.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
Think about times when you've built strong partnerships with other schools or agencies. Be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration among staff and create a culture of professional growth, as this is key to the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about strategic leadership and school improvement. Familiarise yourself with current educational policies and be ready to discuss how you would translate these into meaningful practices at Birchwood School.
