At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing school community and support students with special educational needs.
- Company: Dunsley Hall School, part of the Polaris Community, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, enhanced pension, and employee discount schemes.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- 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 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only
Salary: £50,000 to £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, 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.
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 (Dudley) employer: Polaris Community
Dunsley Hall School, part of the Polaris Community, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both students and staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, enhanced benefits such as a generous pension scheme, and a focus on emotional well-being, we empower our educators to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special educational needs. Join us in shaping the future of education in Kinver, where your leadership will be valued and supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher (Dudley)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts 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 off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to share your experiences and stories that highlight your commitment to SEN and inclusive education. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for making a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle various scenarios related to safeguarding and curriculum enhancement. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨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 community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher (Dudley)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 dedicated you are to making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in educational leadership and working with SEN students. We’re looking for someone who can adapt the curriculum and champion pastoral care, so be specific about your achievements in these areas.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are as a leader. Share your vision for the school and how you plan to foster a nurturing environment for both staff and students.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the ethos of the Polaris Community and Dunsley Hall 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 leading their nurturing environment.
✨Showcase Your SEN Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience with special educational needs (SEN) students in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully adapted teaching methods or advocated for SEN students. This will demonstrate your understanding of their unique requirements and your ability to champion their needs within the school community.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you plan to build a new team. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share how you've inspired and motivated others. Highlight your approach to staff development and how you foster a collaborative spirit among your team.
✨Engage with Community Engagement Strategies
Think about how you would build relationships with parents, carers, and external partners. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used in the past to create a cohesive support network. This will show that you understand the importance of community engagement in enhancing the educational experience for students.
