At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing school community and support students with special educational needs.
- Company: Polaris Education, dedicated to improving lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, enhanced pension, and more.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a supportive environment with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience with SEN students required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Polaris Education - Morley School, Maidenhead
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 on the outskirts of Maidenhead, our School offers a capacity of up to 100 pupils and safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 18 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 who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We're 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.
Head Teacher - SEN & Inclusive Education Leader employer: Polaris Community
Polaris Education is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both students and staff. Located in Maidenhead, our school offers extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to employee well-being through benefits such as an enhanced pension scheme and life insurance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with special educational needs while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that values growth and compassion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher - SEN & Inclusive Education Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEN. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up at events! Attend educational conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups. It’s a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for inclusive education face-to-face.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their commitment to SEN and inclusive education. We want to see that you’re genuinely invested!
✨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 about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher - SEN & Inclusive Education Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for SEN and inclusive education shine through. We want to see how dedicated you are to making a difference in the lives of students with special needs.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Focus on your leadership roles and any specific achievements in SEN education that align with our ethos at Polaris Education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the school and how you plan to foster an inclusive environment. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and the latest practices in inclusive education. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt the curriculum for diverse learners and share examples from your past experiences.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your vision for the school and how you plan to lead a new team. Think about specific strategies you would implement to foster a collaborative environment and support staff development, as this will be key to your role.
✨Emphasise Pastoral Care
Be ready to talk about your approach to pastoral care and how you would champion the emotional well-being of students. Share any relevant experiences where you've successfully supported students' mental health and social development.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you would build relationships with parents, carers, and external partners. Prepare examples of how you've previously engaged with the community to create a supportive network, as this is crucial for the role.
