At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in specialist education for pupils with Autism and complex needs.
- Company: Serenity School Croydon, dedicated to exceptional educational outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to transforming education for vulnerable learners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pupils with complex learning profiles.
- Qualifications: Proven SEND leadership experience and expertise in Autism provision.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you a visionary SEND leader with deep expertise in Autism, complex communication needs, and specialist provision? Do you thrive on transforming practice, empowering staff, and shaping exceptional outcomes for pupils with the most complex learning profiles? If so, Serenity School Croydon wants to meet you. We are seeking an outstanding Head of School for our Nurture Pathway – a strategic, specialist leadership role at the heart of our mission to deliver world‑class provision for pupils with Autism and significant communication and learning needs.
About the Role
As Head of School: Nurture, you will:
- Lead the strategic development and continuous improvement of the Nurture pathway
- Drive specialist curriculum design, implementation, and quality assurance
- Ensure communication development is central to all provision, including AAC, PECS, and Total Communication
- Strengthen specialist teaching practice through coaching, mentoring, and modelling
- Evaluate provision through learning walks, engagement observations, and evidence reviews
- Build leadership capacity and develop staff across multiple schools
- Work closely with the SIP, Headteacher, and MDT to deliver the Serenity Education strategy
- Ensure pupils develop communication, regulation, independence, engagement, and readiness for learning
You will be:
- An experienced SEND leader with a strong track record in specialist Autism provision
- An expert in communication development, AAC, and Autism‑informed pedagogy
- A skilled evaluator of teaching, learning, and specialist practice
- A confident coach and mentor who can build capacity and inspire others
- A strategic thinker with the ability to drive improvement across multiple settings
- Deeply committed to improving outcomes for pupils with the most complex needs
Serenity Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Head of School employer: Serenity Education Group
Serenity School Croydon is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for pupils with Autism and complex communication needs. With a strong focus on professional development, our collaborative work culture empowers staff through coaching and mentoring, ensuring they thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Located in Croydon, we offer a supportive environment that prioritises continuous improvement and innovative practices, making it an ideal place for passionate SEND leaders to grow and excel.
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, especially those involved in SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their mission, especially around Autism and communication needs. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, like curriculum designs or successful strategies you've implemented. This will help us see your impact and how you can transform practice at Serenity School Croydon.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) shine through. Share specific examples of how you've transformed practice or empowered staff in previous roles, especially in relation to Autism and communication needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the Head of School role. Highlight your experience with specialist curriculum design and your track record in improving outcomes for pupils with complex learning profiles. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Be Specific About Your Achievements:Use concrete examples to demonstrate your skills in coaching, mentoring, and evaluating teaching practices. Mention any successful initiatives you've led that align with our goals at Serenity School Croydon, as this will help us see your potential impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application reaches us quickly and allows you to easily keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serenity Education Group
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Autism and complex communication needs. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past and how they’ve positively impacted pupils. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your approach to leadership, especially in a SEND context. Think about examples where you've empowered staff or transformed practice. Highlight your coaching and mentoring experiences, as this role is all about building capacity in others.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would lead the strategic development of the Nurture pathway. Think about how you can drive improvement across multiple settings and what innovative ideas you have for curriculum design and quality assurance.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s vision and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school aligns with your values and goals.
