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.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a positive environment with excellent career growth.
- 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 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 in Temple 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 young people with special educational needs while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that prioritises personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Temple
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. 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. Understand their approach to SEN and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for their community too!
✨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.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in Temple
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 to creating a nurturing environment that empowers every child.
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 their skills to meet the unique needs of our school community, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. 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 positive culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from 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 Polaris Education and how it aligns with your own values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision of compassion and inclusion in your role as Head Teacher.
✨Showcase Your SEN Experience
Since the role focuses on supporting students with special educational needs, prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully advocated for or implemented strategies for SEN students. This will demonstrate your commitment and expertise in this area.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you plan to build a new team. Think about your approach to mentoring staff and fostering a collaborative environment. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Engage with Community Engagement Strategies
Be prepared to discuss how you would build relationships with parents, carers, and external partners. Think of innovative ways to create a supportive network for the school community and be ready to share your ideas during the interview.
