At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing school for students with special educational needs, focusing on their growth and well-being.
- Company: Join the Polaris Community, dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, enhanced pension, free parking, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment that values every child's potential.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status with experience in SEN and proven leadership skills required.
- Other info: Full-time, term-time only role with a salary range of £50,000 - £60,000.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 67000 £ per year.
Head Teacher – Andover School
Location: Andover, Hants
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 dependent on experience
Contract: Full Time (Term Time Only) Permanent
Additional Benefits: Professional Development opportunities, Enhanced 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
Opening Date: April 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 in Andover, our School offers a capacity of up to 60 pupils and safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 16 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.
Andover School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside our current growing portfolio of school across the UK, which are all rated by Ofsted 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
Head Teacher in Andover employer: Polaris
Contact Detail:
Polaris Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher in Andover
✨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 members from the Polaris Community. They can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨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 fostering emotional well-being will demonstrate your capability as a leader in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by sharing examples of how you've mentored staff and built collaborative teams. This will illustrate your ability to inspire others and create a positive working environment, which is crucial for the Head Teacher position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head Teacher position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education, particularly in supporting students with special educational needs. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to inclusive education.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your qualifications, teaching experience, and any leadership roles you've held. Make sure to include your work with SEN students and any relevant professional development courses you've completed.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a Head Teacher 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 how you plan to build a collaborative team spirit at the school.
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the Polaris Community's values and ethos. 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.