Executive Headteacher in Nash

Polaris Education is seeking an Executive Headteacher to lead the Polaris South East and East of England region, overseeing up to six schools, including leading the opening of at least one new school. 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 Care Connect Consolidate strategy across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
  • Work with the Learning and Development team to deliver training programmes for school leaders on building and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders.
  • 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 such as Autism, ADHD, FASD and trauma-related needs.
  • Champion therapeutic and trauma-informed practices, working closely with staff to embed the Polaris therapeutic model.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including local authorities, community organisations and industry partners.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Person Specification

• Essential: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with significant experience in educational leadership roles.
• 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.
• Essential: Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, Independent School Standards (ISS) and Ofsted regulatory requirements.
• Essential: Demonstrated school improvement experience with a track record of raising educational standards.
• Essential: Excellent commercial acumen and experience in managing financial sustainability in schools.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a growing portfolio of specialist schools within a supportive and innovative organisation.
• A platform to drive meaningful change in SEND education, with autonomy to shape the future of the schools you lead.
• A collaborative leadership environment, offering opportunities for professional development and career progression.

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and cover letter to or call for an informal chat.