Head of School
Salary: £77,676 - £85,547 per annum (L16-L20)
Permanent | Full Time | 40 Hours Per Week
Cambridgeshire
Are you an experienced senior leader with a passion for transforming outcomes for children and young people with complex special educational needs?
We are seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead a highly specialist independent school supporting children and young people aged 6-19 with a range of complex learning difficulties, autism, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), physical disabilities and associated medical needs.
This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational leader to make a lasting impact within a well-established specialist education setting. Working closely with the Principal and wider leadership team, you will play a key role in driving school improvement, maintaining outstanding standards of safeguarding and education, and ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.
The Role
Similar in scope to a Headteacher position, the Head of School is responsible for the day-to-day operational and educational leadership of the school. You will oversee educational performance, support strategic development, manage resources effectively and lead a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
You'll be passionate about inclusive education, able to inspire staff, and committed to creating a culture where pupils are supported to achieve their fullest potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic and operational direction of the school alongside the Principal and Governing Body.
- Drive continuous school improvement and ensure high standards across teaching, learning and pupil outcomes.
- Oversee safeguarding processes and ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities.
- Monitor and evaluate educational quality through lesson observations, performance management and quality assurance activities.
- Manage staffing, budgets and resources effectively.
- Foster strong relationships with families, external professionals and wider stakeholders.
- Promote a positive, inclusive and aspirational culture throughout the school.
About You
We are looking for a proven educational leader who can demonstrate:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Significant senior leadership experience within a specialist SEND setting.
- Experience supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding legislation and independent school standards.
- Experience of quality assurance processes including lesson observations and performance management.
- Excellent people leadership and team development skills.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- A Headteacher qualification (such as NPQH) or willingness to work towards one would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to lead a well-established specialist school.
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
- Join a supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.
- Competitive leadership salary package.
- Extensive professional development and career progression opportunities.
Head of School in Barnsley employer: Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd
Join our SEMH school in Berkeley, where we prioritise a nurturing and aspirational environment for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that values your contributions, offers a competitive salary with a welcome bonus, and provides opportunities for professional growth within a dedicated team focused on making a meaningful impact in students' lives.
Contact Details:
Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
