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.
- 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.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to holistic education and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 52000 Β£ per year.
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, 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. 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 Stourbridge employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Stourbridge
β¨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.
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. We want to see your passion for creating an inclusive environment!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've inspired a team or improved student outcomes. We love to see candidates who can demonstrate their impact in previous roles.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, weβre always on the lookout for passionate educators who want to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in Stourbridge
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 dedicated you are to making a difference in their lives!
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 aligns with our ethos!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our school. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates about the process!
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 Dunsley Hall School and the Polaris Community. 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 their mission.
β¨Showcase Your SEN Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with students with special educational needs. Think of specific examples where you've successfully advocated for SEN students or adapted the curriculum to meet diverse needs. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for supporting these students.
β¨Prepare for Leadership Questions
As a Head Teacher, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Anticipate questions about your leadership style and how you plan to mentor staff. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to build a collaborative team spirit and promote professional growth among your colleagues.
β¨Engage with Community Involvement
Community engagement is key for this role. Think about how you've built relationships with parents, carers, and external partners in the past. Be ready to share your ideas on how to create a cohesive support network for the school, as this will highlight your commitment to fostering a supportive environment.