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 passionate team in a supportive 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 07920 212308.
Head Teacher in Wokingham 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 enhanced 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 and empowering workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts 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.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to share your vision for the school and how you plan to support students with SEN. Let your enthusiasm shine through – it’s contagious!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to safeguarding or curriculum enhancement. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in Wokingham
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 your achievements!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you. Share your vision for the school and how you plan to foster a positive community.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like 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 it aligns with the ethos of Polaris Education. Be ready to articulate how you would implement this vision and ensure it meets the needs of students with special educational needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, especially in nurturing and developing a team. Discuss how you've successfully led staff development initiatives in the past and how you plan to foster a collaborative spirit within the new team at the school.
✨Emphasise Safeguarding Experience
As safeguarding is a key responsibility, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Share specific instances where you've implemented safeguarding policies or worked with external partners to create a safe environment for students.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you can build strong relationships with parents, carers, and external partners. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used in the past to engage the community and how you plan to create a cohesive support network for the school.
