Executive Headteacher in London

This is an exciting and influential role for a visionary leader with a strong background in curriculum, school improvement, SEND, and commercial acumen. The successful candidate will report to the Managing Director of Education and will work collaboratively with the leadership team to support and embed the following:

• Strategic Leadership and School Improvement
  • Provide visionary leadership for up to six schools within the specified region, focusing on maintaining high educational standards and fostering a positive school culture.
  • Work alongside organic growth project managers to spearhead the opening of new schools, managing all aspects of the provision, including regulatory compliance, staffing and operational readiness.
  • Drive school improvement initiatives, working closely with Headteachers to deliver high-quality outcomes for students, particularly those with complex SEND needs.
  • Oversee the implementation of the Care Connect Consolidate strategy across the schools, embedding Polaris' core values and ensuring consistency of approach.
  • Lead on assigned key strategic projects and initiatives across the portfolio to enhance school performance.
  • Collaborate with other senior leaders across Polaris to support shared best practices.
• Line Management and Staff Development
  • Line manage Headteachers, providing mentorship, supervision, guidance, and performance management to ensure that each school meets its educational and operational goals.
  • Support professional development and leadership growth within each school's senior leadership team, fostering a collaborative and supportive leadership culture.
  • Provide guidance on managing HR issues, including grievance and disciplinary procedures, and support in conducting investigations.
• Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance
  • Lead the rigorous monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of the curriculum, teaching and learning across all schools, ensuring provision is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to the individual needs of pupils.
  • Ensure that curriculum design and delivery provide appropriate stretch, challenge and aspiration for all learners, particularly those with more complex SEND profiles.
  • Embed robust and proportionate progress tracking systems that accurately capture small-step progress and inform teaching.
  • Regularly review and refine provision to ensure alignment with current frameworks, statutory requirements and regulatory expectations.
• SEND Expertise and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Ensure schools are compliant with the SEND Code of Practice and oversee provision for children with complex needs.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including local authorities, community organisations and industry partners.
  • Engage with stakeholders to support school improvement and secure additional resources or support.
• Strategic Safeguarding Responsibility
  • Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the region, providing guidance and support on safeguarding issues.
  • Develop and implement a strategic safeguarding framework across all schools in the region.
  • Monitor and review safeguarding practices and address any areas of concern promptly and effectively.
• Regulatory and Compliance
  • Ensure all schools within the portfolio meet the Independent School Standards (ISS), Ofsted requirements and safeguarding regulations.
  • Lead inspections and external reviews, ensuring that schools are always prepared for regulatory scrutiny.
• Business Model and Commercial Acumen
  • Lead with a strong commercial understanding of the business model, ensuring schools are financially sustainable and operationally efficient.
  • Engage with schools and external stakeholders to manage at-risk placements and ensure that each child's needs are met through personalised educational plans and interventions.
  • Understand and manage EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) to achieve financial targets.
• Care, Compassion and Growth Mindset
  • Foster a caring, compassionate and empathetic school culture, with a focus on emotional wellbeing for pupils and staff.
  • Build strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents, colleagues in residential services and the wider community to promote a shared vision for inclusive education.

Qualifications:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with significant experience in educational leadership roles such as Regional Director, Education Lead or Principal.
• National qualification for Headship (NPQH).
• National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL)/ Higher degree in Education leadership.

Desirable:

• Multi-site leadership experience with proven ability to lead new school openings and manage large-scale projects.

Essential:

• Proven experience in leading SEND provision and working with children with complex needs.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, Independent School Standards (ISS) and Ofsted regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated school improvement experience with a track record of raising educational standards.
• Excellent commercial acumen and experience in managing financial sustainability in schools.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Compassionate and empathetic, with a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable students.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to lead a growing portfolio of specialist schools within a supportive and innovative organisation.