Headteacher - SEN School (Permanent) in Thatcham

Job Location: The Grange School, Thatcham

Salary: £85,000 based on working 40 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent – 52 weeks (On site 41 weeks of the year)

We have an exciting opportunity for an inspirational and experienced senior leader to become the Headteacher of The Grange School. We are looking for someone bold in their vision, passionate about inclusive education, and deeply committed to a truly person-centred therapeutic approach.

At The Grange School, inclusion isn’t a concept; it is lived every day through the strengths, needs, and aspirations of our Pupils. This is a school where Pupils excel, where they rediscover a love of learning, and where they arrive each day feeling safe, valued, and ready to succeed. As recognised by Ofsted, Pupils want to learn, they work hard, and they benefit from an environment where highly effective support helps them to re-engage swiftly with education and thrive.

Your mission will be to continue creating meaningful pathways toward independence, emotional wellbeing, and lifelong skills. You will shape a provision relied upon by so many Pupils, a place where progress is not only measured academically, but in confidence, communication, and the ability to navigate the world with increasing independence. Through an ambitious and carefully structured curriculum, every Pupil receives a bespoke learning journey that identifies and addresses even the smallest gaps, enabling exceptional progress from their starting points.

You will be supported by an exceptional and dedicated Education and Integrated Multidisciplinary Therapy team who work seamlessly together to deliver truly holistic support. At The Grange School, therapy is not an addition, it is integral. It threads through all aspects of school life, strengthening Pupils’ social, emotional, and mental health, giving them the tools they need to communicate, build relationships, and engage successfully in their learning and wider experiences.

The Grange School is not only an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ SEND school across all areas, it is a community stepping confidently into its next chapter. Having opened in 2023, the school has steadily established itself as a place of excellence, ambition, and transformation. In the last month, we proudly celebrated the opening of The Orchard, our third purpose-built space officially unveiled alongside the Mayor of Thatcham, our Team Members, and of course, our Pupils and their Families. Within this environment, our Pupils are already demonstrating remarkable confidence, proudly guiding visitors, sharing their achievements, and showing the impact of a school that prioritises personal development as highly as academic success.

Personal development at The Grange School is exceptional. Pupils develop life skills that prepare them for adulthood: learning how to travel safely, manage money, prepare food, engage with their community, and understand the world around them. They explore democracy, diversity, and respect, and they learn how to consider different viewpoints and contribute positively to society. These experiences ensure that Pupils leave not only with knowledge, but with the confidence and capability to live fulfilling, independent lives.

You will be leading far more than a school building; you will be leading a culture built on strong, respectful relationships and a deep understanding of every Pupil’s individual journey. At The Grange School, trust between adults and Pupils is fundamental. Pupils feel safe, they know they are understood, and they are supported to overcome barriers that may previously have prevented them from accessing education. This is a school where every interaction matters, where every achievement is celebrated, and where every Pupil is given the opportunity to succeed.

With thoughtfully designed sensory breakout areas, an ambitious curriculum, and rich opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, including regular educational visits that bring learning to life, The Grange School stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when education and therapeutic practice work in true partnership. It is a place where aspiration is real, outcomes are meaningful, and futures are transformed.

This is one of those moments where everything aligns, an exceptional team, an Outstanding provision, and a community ready for its next phase of growth. This is your opportunity to become our next Headteacher, leading our Ofsted Outstanding ‘Centre of Excellence’ and shaping a future where every Pupil continues to excel.

To be a successful Headteacher you’ll need:

• 3 years’ experience in a senior management role of an educational service or school
• Knowledge and understanding of the Ofsted education framework and inspection process
• Ability to provide vision, dynamic leadership and direction
• Be an experienced and successful classroom practitioner
• Ability to support/drive outstanding teaching and learning
• Proven ability to support and retain colleagues
• Ability to evaluate school performance and identify priorities for continuous improvement
• Effectively monitor Pupils progress
• Promote a positive culture of vigilance in relation to safeguarding
• To monitor and administer the SEND register and associated resources
• Ensure budgetary requirements are achieved
• Ability to work effectively within the Governance and Oversight Team and with other colleagues and professionals to achieve the highest standards
• Value the diversity of the community it serves.

In return for your time, you’ll get:

• Holidays – You’ll only work term time (39.2 weeks), and get paid the additional 12.8 weeks whilst you’re off.
• Pension scheme – You will receive a 24% employer pension that is not linked to a minimum personal contribution.
• Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for team members to develop themselves.
• Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offers a six weekly confidential check in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.
• Cycle2Work - The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
• DBS – As this role requires you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
• After 12 months service - You’ll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP!). You’ll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage.

At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.