Head of School (Permanent) in Dorking
Head of School (Permanent)

Head of School (Permanent) in Dorking

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

  • Tasks: Lead high-quality teaching and learning in a vibrant SEN school.
  • Company: Exciting new independent specialist school in beautiful Surrey.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, free meals, and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of children with autism and mental health needs.
  • Qualifications: Qualified teacher with leadership experience and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a collaborative work environment.

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

We are recruiting for a fully qualified SEN Head of Education to join an amazing SEN School in Dorking, Surrey. Are you an inspirational leader with a passion for delivering high-quality teaching and learning? Join our vibrant new SEN school in the beautiful Surrey Hills. The school opened in September and is growing rapidly, so we are seeking a strategic and operational education leader to join our Senior Leadership Team.

Required:

  • Head of Education
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Schedule: Full Time, 8:00am - 4:00pm
  • Salary: Leadership PayScale (Negotiable)
  • School Type: An independent specialist school in Surrey for children and young people aged 7-16 with autism and associated social, emotional, and mental health needs. Initially opening with pupils aged 7-14.
  • Parking: On-site

About the Role

  • Lead the development of high-quality teaching and learning across the school
  • Design and oversee a sequenced, progressive whole-school curriculum
  • Line manage teaching and subject staff, champion inclusive classroom strategies
  • Drive assessment strategy, self-evaluation systems, and inspection readiness
  • Foster a collaborative, reflective, and high-performing staff culture

About You

  • Qualified teacher with proven success in improving teaching quality and pupil outcomes
  • Experience in curriculum, assessment, and school improvement (middle leadership essential; senior leadership desirable)
  • Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills
  • Understanding of autism and EHCP processes beneficial

What We Offer

  • Supportive, inclusive environment
  • Continuous professional development opportunities
  • Collaboration across a network of SEN schools
  • Free daily shuttle from Dorking Station
  • Breakfast and lunch during term time
  • Wellbeing initiatives and EAP

Interviews: 1-3 December 2025. If you're ready to make a real impact in SEN education, please apply today.

Head of School (Permanent) in Dorking employer: senploy

Join our vibrant new SEN school in the stunning Surrey Hills, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, a collaborative culture, and unique perks such as free daily shuttles and meals during term time, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs.
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Contact Detail:

senploy Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of School (Permanent) in Dorking

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in SEN. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what the school is looking for.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Think about how your leadership style aligns with their mission. We want you to show them that you're not just a fit for the role, but for their community too!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around curriculum development and inclusive strategies. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your answers.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of School (Permanent) in Dorking

Leadership Skills
Teaching Quality Improvement
Curriculum Design
Assessment Strategy Development
Self-Evaluation Systems
Inspection Readiness
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Understanding of Autism
Experience with EHCP Processes
Inclusive Classroom Strategies
Staff Management
Collaboration Skills
Strategic Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for SEN education shine through. We want to see how your experiences and values align with our mission to provide high-quality teaching and learning for our students.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Education. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in improving teaching quality and pupil outcomes. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your impact!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our school. Be sure to mention your understanding of autism and EHCP processes, as well as your vision for fostering a collaborative staff culture.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at senploy

✨Know Your SEN Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism and the EHCP processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about supporting students with special educational needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or improved teaching quality in previous roles. Think about specific strategies you've implemented and the positive outcomes that followed. This will demonstrate your capability as a strategic leader.

✨Understand the School's Vision

Research the school’s mission and values before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their growth. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their curriculum development plans or how they foster a collaborative staff culture. Asking questions not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.

Head of School (Permanent) in Dorking
senploy
Location: Dorking

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