Principal in Kingston upon Thames

Working Pattern: Full Time, Permanent

Bedelsford School is an Outstanding special school located in Kingston. We support a diverse group of students with a wide range of physical disabilities, including those with profound and multiple learning difficulties, moderate learning needs, and complex health conditions. The school benefits from specialist facilities including an accessible swimming pool, adapted outdoor play areas and an outdoor learning environment. It is within walking distance of the vibrant town centre of Kingston upon Thames and has excellent transport links.

Bedelsford School is committed to evidence-based practice. We draw on the latest developments in neuroscience and educational research to continually enhance the skills of our staff. Every member of our team is trained to understand how each pupil learns uniquely and is supported in delivering tailored teaching strategies that help our students achieve their full potential.

We are looking for an inspirational and committed Principal to lead Bedelsford School in delivering a high-quality, inclusive education for pupils with physical disabilities, complex health needs and learning difficulties, fostering a nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive, while working in close partnership with staff, families and the Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust Executive Leadership Team.

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure a high-quality, inclusive education that meets statutory SEND, safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities.
• Lead continuous school improvement through effective self-evaluation, development planning, governance partnership and collaboration with OHC&AT Executive Leadership.
• Promote excellence in teaching, learning and professional development through robust performance management, induction, appraisal and high-quality INSET.
• Build strong relationships with pupils, families, staff, governors, multi-agency professionals and the wider community to secure the best outcomes for all learners.
• Ensure effective organisational, financial and operational management, including staffing structures, attendance, timetabling, reporting and best value use of resources.

• Qualified to degree level and above
• Qualified to teach in the UK
• Recent and relevant professional development
• Evidence of budget management skills and resource planning
• Experience of effective and impactful leadership in an educational setting

OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Find out what makes OHCAT a truly rewarding place to work - visit our 'Work for Us' page to hear from our Chief Executive Officer, John Prior, and watch inspiring messages from students and parents about the difference our staff make every day.

Bedelsford School is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners. Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.

It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the School directly. Visits to the School in advance of applications are encouraged.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

To ensure a fair opportunity for all applicants, candidates who have applied for this position in the past 6 months will not be considered.

Closing Date: Wednesday 28th January 2026

Interviews will take place on: Monday 9th February 2026

To help us manage applications effectively, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.