At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing school community and advocate for students with special educational needs.
- Company: Dunsley Hall School, part of the Polaris Community, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Professional development, enhanced pension, free parking, and employee discount schemes.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to holistic education and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and shape their educational journey.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience with SEN students required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only
Professional Development opportunities, Enhanced pension scheme, Free on-site parking, CPD through internal and external providers, Salary sacrifice schemes, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan
Opening Date: Projected opening date September 2026
Do you have a passion for supporting students with special educational needs (SEN)? We are seeking an exceptional Head Teacher to lead our nurturing and inclusive school community.
About the School
Located in Kinver, Stourbridge, Dunsley Hall School offers a capacity of up to 100 pupils and safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 16 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well-being and personal growth.
Our School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK, which are all rated by Ofsted Good or Outstanding. The Polaris Community have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. We’re also incredibly proud that 100% of our Education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
As the Head Teacher, you will be a forward-thinking leader, who will play a pivotal role in building a new team and shaping the educational experience for our students.
- Educational Leadership: Develop and implement a vision that aligns with our ethos of the Polaris Community embracing compassion, inclusion, and personalized learning. Be able to lead the school to consistently meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework.
- Acting as the Designated Safeguarding lead and collaborating with safeguarding partners, manage and report all concerns appropriately and put in place policies and procedures to develop a robust safeguarding culture in the school.
- Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring a stimulating and engaging learning journey preparing pupils for next step.
- Pastoral Care and SEN Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and needs of our SEN students, aligned with EHCP objectives, within the wider educational community.
- Support and mentor staff, promoting continuous professional growth and fostering a collaborative team spirit.
- Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and external partners to create a cohesive support network, ensuring the growth and development of the school.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with Primary/Secondary teaching experience. Experience working with SEN students and a deep understanding of their unique requirements.
Join us on this exciting journey to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Head of School - Full-time in Dudley employer: Polaris Community
Dunsley Hall School, located in the heart of Kinver, Stourbridge, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for students with special educational needs. With a strong commitment to professional development, enhanced benefits such as an improved pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and growth, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils. Join us in shaping the future of education while enjoying a rewarding career in a community-focused setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School - Full-time in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! If you get an interview, prepare thoroughly. Research the school’s ethos and values, and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Remember, they want to see your passion for supporting students with SEN!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on schools that resonate with your values. Use our website to find roles that match your passion for inclusive education. Tailor your approach to each school, showing them why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for students.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School - Full-time in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting students with special educational needs. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your application with our ethos at the Polaris Community. Highlight how your vision and leadership style can contribute to our mission of compassion, inclusion, and personalised learning.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your qualifications, focus on your experience with SEN students. We want to know how you've adapted curricula and supported diverse learning needs in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for the school. How do you plan to foster an inclusive environment and support SEN students? Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented similar strategies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Teacher, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you support and mentor staff, promote professional growth, and build a collaborative team spirit. Use anecdotes that highlight your ability to lead effectively in challenging situations.
✨Engage with Community Insights
Community engagement is key for this role. Think about how you've built relationships with parents, carers, and external partners in previous positions. Be prepared to discuss your approach to creating a cohesive support network for students and their families.
✨Understand Safeguarding Protocols
As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of safeguarding policies. Brush up on current legislation and be ready to discuss how you've managed safeguarding concerns in the past, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
