Headteacher – PRU
Location: Waltham Forest, East London
Role: Headteacher
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start: ASAP / January 2027
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Are you an experienced Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or senior PRU/AP leader looking for an opportunity to lead a specialist provision and make a lasting difference to young people who have faced barriers to mainstream education?
Ribbons & Reeves are working with a Pupil Referral Unit in Waltham Forest that is looking for an ambitious, resilient and pupil-centred Headteacher to lead the provision and its staff team.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands that successful PRU education requires strong relationships, clear boundaries, high expectations, excellent safeguarding and a consistent approach to behaviour and engagement .
The role involves: Providing strategic and day-to-day leadership across the PRU
Setting a clear vision and culture centred around pupil progress and positive outcomes
Leading, supporting and developing a committed teaching and support team
Maintaining high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and safeguarding
Supporting pupils with SEMH, behavioural and complex needs
Developing effective strategies to improve attendance, engagement and participation
Overseeing personalised pathways and supporting successful reintegration where appropriate
Working closely with parents, carers, schools, local authorities and external agencies
Monitoring pupil progress, behaviour and outcomes
Leading school improvement and ensuring effective policies and procedures are embedded
Developing staff through coaching, support and performance management
Ensuring the provision meets all safeguarding and statutory responsibilities
We are looking for someone who: Has significant leadership experience within PRU, AP, SEMH or specialist education
Has experience leading and developing teaching and support teams
Understands the challenges faced by young people who have struggled in mainstream education
Has strong knowledge of behaviour, safeguarding, SEMH and pastoral support
Can provide calm, consistent and visible leadership
Builds positive relationships while maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries
Has high expectations for pupils and staff
Is confident working with families, local authorities and multi-agency professionals
Can demonstrate a commitment to improving attendance, engagement and educational outcomes
Holds QTS and relevant senior leadership experience
What the school offers: The opportunity to lead an established PRU in Waltham Forest
A committed and experienced staff team
Genuine scope to shape the culture and future direction of the provision
The opportunity to influence outcomes for young people who need a different approach to education
A supportive professional environment
A rewarding senior leadership position within alternative provision
If you are an experienced Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, PRU leader or senior AP professional looking for your next challenge, we'd be keen to speak with you.
Apply now through Ribbons & Reeves for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.
Headteacher - PRU in London employer: Ribbons and Reeves Limited
Join a dedicated SEMH specialist primary school in London, where you will be part of a supportive team committed to making a real difference in the lives of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. With ongoing training and professional development opportunities, this role not only allows you to build meaningful relationships with vulnerable pupils but also fosters your growth in SEND and behaviour support within a nurturing environment. Experience a fulfilling career that values resilience, compassion, and collaboration.
Contact Details:
Ribbons and Reeves Limited Recruitment Team
