Head of School

Head of School

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to empower students in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: Progress Schools, committed to wellbeing and professional growth.
  • Benefits: Generous holidays, wellbeing support, and professional development funding.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying work-life balance.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant subject and core teaching qualifications required.
  • Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to innovation in education.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Join us as a Head of Schools: Empower Futures! Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it's a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional? Well at Progress Schools, that's just the approach we take.

Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics - enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of surplus admin too. Your work-life balance matters. That's why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible. And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. So we want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools.

But that's not all, we also offer:

  • Professional Development: Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague!
  • Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary.
  • Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
  • Health and Wellbeing Cashback: Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually.
  • Recognition Awards: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards.
  • Referral Bonus: £500 for referring top talent.
  • Exclusive Discounts: MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewards.
  • Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT.
  • Group Connection: Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review.

Who are we looking for from you?

  • Engagement Skills: Demonstrated ability to inspire and engage learners, supporting them in achieving their ambitions. Able to bring fresh ideas, creativity, and proactive leadership to both the classroom and wider school environment.
  • Emotional Support: Passionate about making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of young people - particularly those requiring additional support.
  • Academic Background: Degree in a relevant subject area is essential.
  • Core Teaching Qualifications: QTS or QTLS (or an overseas equivalent) is required. NPQH or working towards it is desirable.
  • Experience: Proven leadership experience in an educational setting (Head of Department, SLT, or Headteacher level), ideally within an alternative provision or similar setting. Experience managing staff teams and small school cohorts is essential.
  • Teaching Subjects: Strong understanding and oversight of core subject delivery (English, Maths, Science), with a track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes.
  • Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the alternative provision landscape, school compliance requirements, and Independent School Standards. Familiarity with working with learners with SEN and additional needs is key.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive in addressing challenges and implementing effective solutions to enhance pupil outcomes and operational efficiency.
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills with staff, learners, and external stakeholders.
  • Promotion of Values: A clear commitment to upholding and promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, wellbeing, and British values within the school community.
  • Time Management: Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities, staff development, curriculum oversight, and regulatory compliance.

About the School: Progress Schools is part of The Progress Group, the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools. At Progress Schools - New Ferry, we support approximately 25 pupils on roll to ensure that we can provide ample opportunities for children who need a nurturing, encouraging and supportive environment. The school consists of a core team of the Head of Provision, three teachers, and two support staff. Further support is also provided by regional and national staff, who work with several schools across our group.

How to Apply: Ready to be a part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY. If you have any further queries, then please get in touch with our friendly recruitment team by emailing. Let's redefine education together!

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. All employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs.

Safeguarding Statement: We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices.

Note: We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.

Head of School employer: Progress Schools Ltd

At Progress Schools, we prioritise your wellbeing and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture that values both personal and professional development. With generous benefits including enhanced family leave, extensive health and wellbeing support, and a commitment to reducing administrative burdens, we ensure you can focus on what truly matters—empowering our students. Join us in a nurturing environment where your passion for education can thrive, and together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
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Contact Detail:

Progress Schools Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of School

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Head of School role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. At Progress Schools, they’re all about wellbeing and support, so think about how your leadership style aligns with their mission. Bring your A-game and show them you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds.

✨Tip Number 4

Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Progress Schools family. Let’s get you on board!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of School

Engagement Skills
Emotional Support
Academic Background
Core Teaching Qualifications (QTS or QTLS)
Leadership Experience
Staff Management
Subject Knowledge (English, Maths, Science)
Understanding of Alternative Provision
Problem-Solving
Communication Skills
Time Management
Commitment to Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Creativity and Proactive Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting young people shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and engage learners, so share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the values and mission of Progress Schools. Highlight your experience with alternative provision and your commitment to wellbeing, as these are key aspects of our approach.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the requirements outlined in the job description. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the right fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you can easily include that brief note about your training philosophy we’re looking for!

How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Schools Ltd

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the alternative provision landscape and the specific needs of learners with SEN. Brush up on your knowledge of core subjects like English, Maths, and Science, as well as the Independent School Standards. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples from your past leadership experiences that highlight your ability to inspire and engage both staff and students. Think about times when you've implemented creative solutions or improved teaching outcomes. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can bring fresh ideas to the role.

✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Support

Since Progress Schools values wellbeing, be ready to discuss how you prioritise emotional support for both students and staff. Share your philosophy on creating a nurturing environment and how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles. This aligns perfectly with their commitment to personal and professional growth.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their approach to professional development or how they support staff in managing workloads. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.

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