Job Title: Headteacher
Location: Peak School, Buxton Road, Chinley, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK23 6ES
Grade/Scale: Leadership Pay Scale
Contract: Full time, permanent
Join Our Peak School Family
At Peak School, we believe every child deserves the very best opportunities to thrive, achieve and be happy. Our motto, "Unique People, Individualised Approaches," sits at the heart of everything we do and reflects our commitment to understanding every pupil as an individual.
Alongside this, our whole-school values of being kind, being a team, listening to each other and trying our best shape our daily interactions and create a culture where pupils, staff and families feel welcomed, respected and valued.
We are a warm, welcoming and ambitious special school with 91 incredible pupils and a dedicated staff team who are passionate about making a difference every day. Our pupil population is exceptionally diverse, encompassing a broad range of needs including PMLD, SLD, Autism, SEMH and complex communication, sensory and medical needs. This richness of need challenges us to think creatively and work collaboratively. We believe every pupil can succeed when they are understood, valued and given the right support to thrive.
As our current Headteacher moves into a new role within the Trust's School Improvement Team, we are seeking an exceptional leader to join our school community and build on the significant progress and exciting journey underway at our school.
Why join Peak School?
This is a particularly special time to join Peak School. In July 2025, Ofsted judged us to be Good in all areas, recognising the dedication, care and commitment shown by our pupils, staff, families and governors. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved together.
We are not looking to change who we are. We are looking for the right person to lead us, as we continue to build on our strong foundations, continue to improve our provision, ensuring that every pupil receives the highest quality education, care and opportunities possible.
Our pupils deserve an ambitious curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and a school experience that helps them develop confidence, independence and lifelong memories. We are looking for a Headteacher who shares our vision.
Who We are Looking For
We welcome applications from leaders with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from mainstream and special schools or enhanced resource provisions within either the primary or secondary sectors.
The successful candidate will have:
- A proven track record of successful leadership
- A strong understanding of SEND and inclusive practice
- The ability to inspire and develop staff
- High aspirations for children and young people with additional needs
- A commitment to collaborative working and continuous improvement
Support and Development
You will be joining a supportive and established leadership team and will benefit from the extensive support available through Esteem Multi-Academy Trust.
All schools within the Esteem network are supported by a diverse and experienced central team, alongside a group of like-minded school leaders and specialists who work collaboratively to improve outcomes for pupils. We firmly believe that we are stronger together and that sharing expertise benefits everyone.
Benefits Include:
- Teacher's Pension Scheme / LGPS Pension Scheme (16.6% employer contributions)
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Access to Westfield Health membership scheme including cashback schemes for health and retail benefits, discounted gym memberships, and free confidential advice.
- Access to National College CPD platform.
- Access to My Money Matters Financial Wellbeing Platform
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
You will meet a team who genuinely care for one another, celebrate success together and are united by a shared determination to provide the very best for our pupils.
We reserve the right to interview suitable candidates upon application and may close the application process prior to this date
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status.
Headteacher in High Peak employer: Peak School
At Peak School, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and inclusivity. Our staff enjoy generous benefits such as a Teacher's Pension Scheme, access to health and retail cashback schemes, and opportunities for professional development through the National College CPD platform. Located in the picturesque village of Chinley, Derbyshire, we are dedicated to creating a clean and safe environment for our students, making this a meaningful and rewarding place to work.
