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- Tasks: Lead a compassionate school for pupils with autism, ensuring high-quality education and emotional well-being.
- Company: Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £65,000, 13 weeks holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while leading a values-driven educational community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and proven senior leadership experience required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to nurturing potential and fostering a caring atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 91000 £ per year.
Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School (Independent Specialist School for Pupils with Autism and Special Educational Needs) is seeking a Head Teacher. The start date is the beginning of the Spring Term 2026, with a salary of £65,000 per annum (subject to tax and National Insurance) and 13 weeks of holidays per year.
Core Purpose
The Head Teacher provides visionary, compassionate, and values-led leadership grounded in Christian principles of love, service, integrity, and respect. The role ensures that every pupil receives a high-quality, holistic education within a safe, caring, and inclusive therapeutic environment. The Head Teacher nurtures academic excellence, personal development, and emotional well-being so that all pupils can realise their potential and contribute positively to society.
Main Responsibilities
- Leadership and Vision: Provide strong, inspirational leadership rooted in Christian values of compassion, respect, honesty, and service. Develop and articulate a clear vision that integrates high academic standards, moral development, and emotional well-being.
- Strategic Direction And School Improvement: Lead the development and implementation of a robust strategic plan focused on excellence and continuous improvement.
- Curriculum And Teaching: Ensure a rich, broad, and creative curriculum that meets the diverse needs of pupils with autism and other SEND.
- SEND Leadership And Therapeutic Practice: Lead the school’s SEND provision to ensure inclusion, progress, and well-being for every pupil.
- Safeguarding And Welfare: Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school.
- Staff Leadership And Development: Recruit, lead, and inspire a highly skilled, committed, and compassionate staff team.
- Management, Organisation, And Finance: Manage the school’s financial and physical resources effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Governance And Compliance: Be accountable to the Proprietor and Governing Body for all aspects of leadership and school performance.
- School Improvement And Evaluation: Lead ongoing self-evaluation, development planning, and evidence-based improvement.
- Pupil Progress And Achievement: Monitor academic progress, attendance, behaviour, and personal development for all pupils.
- Community And Outreach: Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and the wider community.
- IT Skills And Digital Leadership: Demonstrate strong IT competence, including management systems, safeguarding platforms, and administrative software.
- Faith, Values, And Ethos: Uphold and promote the school’s Christian foundation as a source of compassion, purpose, and moral strength.
- Health And Safety: Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and safeguarding regulations.
- Other Duties: Undertake reasonable tasks as required by the Proprietor or Governing Body.
Person Specification
- Education and Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Essential. Graduate-level education – Essential. NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) – Desirable.
- Experience: Proven experience as a senior leader (Deputy Head Teacher or equivalent). Successful record of raising standards and improving outcomes.
- Skills And Attributes: Visionary leadership with strategic clarity and moral purpose. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Personal Qualities: Deep commitment to the education, care, and well-being of children and young people.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive, and the Governing Body reserves the right to make reasonable amendments as required.
Applications And Enquiries
Email: opschool@aol.com | Telephone: (01604) 969232.
About Overstone Park School
A non-selective independent school registered with DFE and ISI for boys and girls aged 5 to 18 years.
Head Teacher employer: OVERSTONE PARK SCHOOL LTD
Contact Detail:
OVERSTONE PARK SCHOOL LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who have experience in SEND and therapeutic settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Understand their approach to inclusion and emotional well-being, and be ready to share how your vision aligns with theirs. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated visionary leadership or improved outcomes in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can truly make a difference.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher
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 much you care about making a difference in the lives of pupils with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Overstone Park. Highlight your experience with SEND and therapeutic practices, as these are key to our ethos.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences, ensuring we can easily see how you fit the role of Head Teacher.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at OVERSTONE PARK SCHOOL LTD
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand the core values and mission of Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to compassion, respect, and inclusion. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and demonstrate that you're a good fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios related to leadership, SEND provision, and safeguarding. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a Head Teacher, you'll need to articulate a clear vision for the school. Be prepared to discuss how you would lead the school towards academic excellence while nurturing emotional well-being. Share innovative ideas on curriculum development and community engagement that reflect your understanding of the school's goals.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the panel about their expectations, the school's future direction, and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
