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 life insurance.
- Other info: Join us in September 2026 for an exciting new chapter in education.
- 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.
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 leader with a passion for supporting students with special educational needs (SEN)? We are on the lookout for an exceptional Head Teacher to guide our nurturing and inclusive school community.
About the School:
Located on the outskirts of Maidenhead, our school is designed to accommodate up to 100 pupils aged 5 to 18 years, all with a range of complex needs. We believe in creating a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our holistic approach ensures that academic progress goes hand-in-hand with emotional well-being and personal growth. As part of the Polaris Community, we have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. We are proud to share 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, playing 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 compassion, inclusion, and personalized learning. Lead the school to consistently meet the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework.
- Safeguarding: Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, collaborating with partners to manage and report concerns, while establishing a robust safeguarding culture.
- Curriculum Enhancement: Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring an engaging learning journey that prepares them for their next steps.
- Pastoral Care and SEN Advocacy: Champion a nurturing approach that emphasizes emotional well-being and social development, advocating for the rights and needs of our SEN students.
- 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 for 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, with the ability to inspire and motivate others, alongside 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.
Head Teacher in Henley on Thames employer: Polaris Community
Polaris Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. Located in Maidenhead, the school provides a nurturing environment for both students and educators, with benefits such as an enhanced pension scheme, free on-site parking, and comprehensive CPD opportunities. As a leader in special educational needs, joining our team means being part of a dedicated community committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Henley on Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and connect with other educators on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its ethos. Familiarise yourself with their approach to SEN and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to lead!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your leadership style and how you plan to support both staff and students. The more confident you are, the better you'll come across!
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in Henley on Thames
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 your dedication and how you align with our ethos of compassion and inclusion.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Teacher role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in SEN settings, and any relevant qualifications. We love seeing how your background fits with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Polaris Education. Share specific examples of your achievements and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. 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 and our school community there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the school. Think about how you can align it with Polaris Education's ethos of compassion and inclusion. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented similar visions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your SEN Experience
Given the focus on special educational needs, prepare to discuss your experience working with SEN students. Highlight any successful strategies you've used to support their learning and emotional well-being, as this will demonstrate your understanding of their unique requirements.
✨Engage with Community Building
Community engagement is key for this role. Think of ways you've built relationships with parents, carers, and external partners in the past. Be prepared to share how you would foster a supportive network around the school, as this will show your commitment to creating a cohesive environment.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you mentor staff. Reflect on your past experiences leading teams and promoting professional growth. Be ready to discuss how you would inspire and motivate your future team at Polaris Education.
