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- 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.
- 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 supportive team in a dynamic environment focused on holistic student growth.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 51000 £ 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 07920 212308.
Head Teacher in Thatcham employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Thatcham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and engage with online communities. 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 responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and safeguarding. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual 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 in Thatcham
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 their skills to fit our nurturing environment, so be specific about how your background aligns with our ethos.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 the ethos of the Polaris Community. Be ready to share specific examples of how you would implement this vision in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
✨Showcase Your SEN Experience
Given the focus on special educational needs, prepare to discuss your experience working with SEN students. Bring examples of how you've adapted teaching methods or curricula to meet diverse needs, and be ready to explain how you advocate for these students within the educational community.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Teacher, your leadership style is crucial. Think about past experiences where you've inspired or motivated a team. Be prepared to discuss how you would support and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative spirit that aligns with the school's goals.
✨Engage with the Community
Community engagement is key for this role. Prepare to talk about how you would build relationships with parents, carers, and external partners. Share ideas on creating a cohesive support network that enhances the growth and development of the school.
