At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in a specialised educational setting for children with unique needs.
- Company: Holme Court Devon, an independent specialist setting on the Shebbear College site.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference in students' lives and develop your leadership skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity starting September 2026 with potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Join us to empower children and create a nurturing learning environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND education and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 € per year.
We are looking to appoint a Head of Centre at Holme Court Devon. Starting in September 2026, this is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated leader to play a vital role in and lead our newly created specialised setting. Holme Court Devon is separate to but located on the site of Shebbear College. This is a full-time role starting in September 2026.
We are seeking a dynamic, inspirational, and highly motivated leader to join us. You will be experienced in working with pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and associated additional needs. Experience of leadership and a full understanding of teaching in a SEND environment is essential.
Holme Court Devon is an independent specialist setting supporting pupils aged 7–16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and associated additional needs. We provide a highly individualised, needs-led approach to education, recognising that every child presents differently and requires tailored support to engage, achieve, and thrive.
Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis, our provision is centred around each pupil’s unique strengths, barriers to learning, communication profile, and developmental journey. At Holme Court Devon, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and aspirational learning environment where they feel understood, respected, and valued.
Through personalised learning pathways, therapeutic and relational approaches, highly skilled staff, and a calm, inclusive atmosphere, we support pupils to develop confidence, emotional regulation, independence, and positive relationships with learning. Our aim is to empower every child to unlock their individual potential and achieve meaningful outcomes both within education and beyond.
We are looking to appoint a Head of Centre who will be able to work with a small passionate team of staff and children. We would like to receive applications from passionate leaders looking for a new challenge or those looking for a step up into their first leadership role. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to work in a small setting.
If you feel you have the skills and passion to join and lead this provision at Holme Court Devon, then we look forward to hearing from you.
Interested candidates should send an application at the earliest possible time. The review of applications will begin as soon as applications are received. The school reserves the right to appoint before the stated application deadline date should an exceptionally appropriate candidate be identified.
For further details or to discuss the role please contact us. Holme Court Devon is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Head of Centre employer: Shebbear College
Holme Court Devon offers a unique opportunity for passionate leaders to make a significant impact in a nurturing and inclusive environment. With a strong commitment to personalised education and the well-being of every child, we provide extensive support for professional growth and development within a small, dedicated team. Located on the picturesque Shebbear College site, our setting fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the field of special education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Holme Court Devon and its approach to education. Show us you understand our values and how you can contribute to creating that nurturing environment for pupils with diverse needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with ASC, SLCN, and SEMH needs. We want to hear how you've made a difference in previous roles and how you plan to inspire your team at Holme Court.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our passionate team at Holme Court Devon.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children with additional needs shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Holme Court Devon.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in SEND environments and leadership roles. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead a passionate team and support diverse learners.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for leading our centre and how you plan to create a nurturing environment for our pupils.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shebbear College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific needs of pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Brush up on your knowledge about tailored educational approaches and be ready to discuss how you can implement these at Holme Court Devon.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership abilities. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team or implemented a new strategy in a SEND environment. This will demonstrate your capability to inspire and motivate a small team of staff and children.
✨Emphasise Personalised Learning
Be ready to talk about how you would create individualised learning pathways for students. Share your thoughts on how to recognise each pupil’s unique strengths and barriers, and how you would foster a nurturing environment that promotes emotional regulation and independence.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to professional development for staff or how they measure the success of their personalised learning strategies. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the school’s mission.
