At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic therapy team and implement innovative, evidence-based practices for autistic students.
- Company: Renowned specialist educational organisation with over 50 years of expertise in autism support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time contract, comprehensive benefits, and funding for further qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on young lives while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: HCPC-registered Speech and Language Therapist with significant experience and leadership skills.
- Other info: Dual-site role with clear pathways for career progression and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 58000 £ per year.
For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
Dual Site — Acton and Southall, West London
Permanent Full Time — 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
£54,320 – £64,500 per annum (Inner London)
The Opportunity
We are proud to be recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded specialist educational organisation dedicated to the support and development of autistic children and young people. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to take on a senior clinical leadership position within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team in West London.
You will be joining a well-established specialist school operating across two sites in the Acton and Southall areas of West London, serving young people aged 4.5 to 22 years. With over 50 years of expertise in providing holistic, personalised education for autistic pupils, the school holds an outstanding reputation and operates a large, collaborative therapy team of 8–9 therapists across its two sites. For an SLT who is passionate about neuro-affirming practice, leadership, and making a meaningful difference, this is a genuinely exciting role.
About the Role
As Principal Speech and Language Therapist, you will hold senior accountability for therapy outcomes across the school, working closely with the Head of Therapy and the Senior Leadership Team to drive quality, innovation and continuous improvement. The role is at the heart of embedding therapy into everyday classroom life, ensuring every pupil receives the tailored, communication-accessible support they need.
You will lead and manage the school-based therapy team, provide clinical supervision, oversee EHCP-aligned intervention planning, and contribute to curriculum design and whole-school strategic development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the school-based therapy team, providing clinical leadership, supervision and performance oversight
- Develop, implement and quality-assure evidence-based, neuro-affirming therapeutic practice across the school
- Embed outcome-focused interventions into everyday school practice, routines and curriculum delivery
- Work in close partnership with families to strengthen parental engagement and support positive change across the family system
- Collaborate with education staff, multidisciplinary colleagues and external professionals to deliver integrated, joined-up provision
- Contribute to the design, delivery and review of curriculum content to ensure it is communication-accessible and therapeutically informed
- Drive service development using data, outcomes and feedback to continuously improve practice
- Contribute to local and national projects, research activity and service innovation
- Act as a senior leader within the school, contributing to strategic planning, decision-making and whole-school improvement
- Maintain own HCPC and RCSLT registration and ensure colleagues maintain registration with relevant professional bodies
What We Are Looking For
Essential
- HCPC-registered and RCSLT-member Speech and Language Therapist with significant post-qualification experience (minimum 6 years)
- Senior leadership or management experience within a school-based or specialist therapy setting — autism-specific experience highly desirable
- Proven experience delivering clinical supervision
- Strong commitment to evidence-based, neuro-affirming and strengths-based practice
- Understanding of therapeutic curriculum development and quality assurance in independent special schools
- Excellent communication, project management and strategic planning skills
- Makaton trained
Desirable
- Experience working across paediatric and early adulthood settings
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) specific experience
- Track record of developing and managing partnerships with external stakeholders
Why This Role Stands Out
- Inner London salary band: £54,320 – £64,500 per annum
- Term-time contract with full pay during school holidays — approximately 12 weeks paid leave per year
- Join an established team of 8–9 therapists within a school with over 50 years of specialist autism expertise
- Clear career progression pathways into Head of Therapy, regional leadership, research and national policy roles
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension, Simply Health cash plan, Life Assurance (2x base salary), 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, Headspace app and retail discounts
- Employer pension contribution of 6% of gross salary (employee minimum 4%)
- Funding and time off available towards further qualifications; specialist CPD and online learning academy
- Relocation support considered for the right candidate
- Dual-site role across two West London locations — candidates should be comfortable with travel between sites
- Meaningful, values-driven work within a nationally recognised, outstanding-rated specialist school
Principal Speech & Language Therapist - Southall employer: RGH-Global
Contact Detail:
RGH-Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Speech & Language Therapist - Southall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the school or similar organisations on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in speech and language therapy, especially in autism support. We want to show that we’re not just qualified but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. We need to articulate our experience and vision clearly, especially how we can contribute to the school's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Speech & Language Therapist - Southall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of supporting autistic children and young people.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Speech and Language Therapist, you'll be leading a team. So, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and motivate others!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGH-Global
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest evidence-based practices in speech and language therapy, especially those related to neuro-affirming approaches. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of autistic children and young people, as well as the role's responsibilities in a school setting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior leadership experience and how you've successfully managed a therapy team. Think about times when you've driven quality improvements or implemented new strategies, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, come prepared to discuss how you've worked with other professionals in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any successful partnerships you've built with families and external stakeholders.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school's approach to therapy and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.