At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing school community and support students with special educational needs.
- Company: Polaris Education, dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, enhanced pension, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience with SEN students required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a positive environment focused on holistic growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Polaris Education - Kinver School
Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only
Salary: Β£50,000 to Β£60,000 dependent on experience
Additional Benefits: 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
Are you a compassionate and dedicated educational leader? 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, our 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. Weβre also incredibly proud that 100% of our Education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
About you
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- Safeguarding: 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.
- Curriculum Enhancement: 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: Champion a nurturing pastoral approach, emphasizing emotional well-being, mental health, and social development. Advocate for the rights and needs of our SEN students, aligned with EHCP objectives, within the wider educational community.
- Staff Development: 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.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with Primary/Secondary teaching experience.
- Suitable First degree and/or NPQH (not essential).
- Experience working with SEN students and a deep understanding of their unique requirements.
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply today. Join us on this exciting journey to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this role further, please contact Zoe Chittenden 07920 212308.
Head Teacher in Dudley employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Dudley
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its ethos. Understand their approach to SEN and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Show them youβre not just a fit on paper but a perfect match for their community.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and safeguarding. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our Polaris Community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in Dudley
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting students with special educational needs shine through. We want to see how your values align with our ethos of compassion and inclusion.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in leadership roles and working with SEN students. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous positions, so donβt hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why youβre the perfect fit for the Head Teacher role. Share specific examples of your achievements and how you plan to enhance our curriculum and community engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
β¨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the ethos of Polaris Education and Kinver School. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to compassion, inclusion, and personalised learning. This will help you align your vision with theirs and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
β¨Showcase Your SEN Experience
As a Head Teacher, your experience with special educational needs (SEN) is crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully supported SEN students in the past. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented to enhance their learning experiences, as this will demonstrate your capability to advocate for their needs.
β¨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you plan to build and mentor a new team. Think about your approach to staff development and how you can foster a collaborative environment. Be ready to discuss how you would inspire and motivate your team to achieve the school's goals.
β¨Engage with Community Engagement Strategies
Community engagement is key for this role. Come prepared with ideas on how to build strong relationships with parents, carers, and external partners. Discuss any previous experiences where you've successfully created a support network, as this will show your commitment to fostering a cohesive school community.