At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new inclusive school, shaping educational experiences for students with special needs.
- Company: Morley School is part of the Polaris Community, dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, enhanced pension schemes, free parking, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a nurturing environment while fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience with SEN students are essential; leadership skills preferred.
- Other info: Start date is September 2025; apply now to join this exciting journey!
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: Maidenhead
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 dependent on experience
Contract: Full Time (Term Time Only) Permanent
Additional Benefits: Professional Development opportunities, Auto-enrolment into an Enhanced contributory pension scheme, Free on-site parking, CPD through internal and external providers, Salary sacrifice schemes such as Cycle to Work, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan.
Start Date: September 2025 (tbc)
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 brand new nurturing and inclusive school community.
About the School
Located on the outskirts of Maidenhead, Morley School offers 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. Morley School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK, which are all rated by Ofsted either Good or Outstanding. The Polaris Community have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years.
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. Suitable candidates will then be asked to complete a formal application pack ahead of an interview. 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 more, please contact Zoe Chittenden 07920 212308.
Contact Detail:
Polaris Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos of the Polaris Community. Understanding their commitment to compassion and inclusion will help you align your vision for the school with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff from similar roles within the Polaris Community. They can provide insights into the culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past to support SEN students. Highlighting your experience in adapting curricula and advocating for these students will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by preparing examples of how you've successfully built and developed teams in previous roles. This will illustrate your capability to lead a new team effectively at Morley School.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head Teacher position at Morley School. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and values, especially regarding special educational needs (SEN) support.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in educational leadership, particularly in SEN settings. Emphasise your qualifications, such as Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and any leadership training like NPQH, ensuring they align with the job description.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for education and your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Address how your vision aligns with the Polaris Community's values and how you plan to enhance the curriculum and pastoral care.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine passion for education and supporting students with special educational needs. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring staff and building a collaborative team spirit, as this is crucial for the Head Teacher role.
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Morley School and the Polaris Community. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their commitment to compassion, inclusion, and personalised learning.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
As safeguarding is a key responsibility, be prepared to discuss your experience and strategies for creating a robust safeguarding culture. Highlight any relevant training or initiatives you've implemented in previous roles.