Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a special needs school, ensuring innovative education and support for 250 amazing pupils.
- Company: Glenwood School is a vibrant special needs school in Essex, dedicated to outstanding education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team, professional growth opportunities, and a positive impact on learners' progress.
- Why this job: Join a warm, collaborative community focused on inclusion and excellence in education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills, commitment to inclusion, and ability to inspire others are essential.
- Other info: Visits to the school are encouraged to embrace our ethos and vision.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Position Start Date: 05/01/2026
Contract Type: Full-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 23/06/2025
Midday Date of Interviews: Wednesday 02 July 2025
Shortlisting Starts: 24/06/2025
Glenwood School is a special needs school in the south of Essex. We have 250 amazing pupils aged 3 to 19 identified with complex SEND. We are committed to providing an outstanding standard of education through meaningful research which informs our teaching and learning approaches.
We provide personalised, innovative, flexible learning programmes and therapies to support children and young people with statements of educational needs and education health and care plans. The school adapts to our learner's needs, not the other way around.
Please note that a seven point scale within Leadership points L24 - L39 will be agreed on appointment and there is an additional payment of £6,900 for the Headteacher's Residential Allowance.
The Governing Body are looking for someone whose attributes should include:
- a clear understanding of innovation and excellence in special needs education
- proven leadership and management skills including vision development and implementation
- commitment to inclusion and equality of access to educational provision for all children and young people ensuring a high regard for the personal achievement in its widest sense of every pupil
- a proven ability to raise and maintain outstanding educational standards and a proven commitment to high levels of achievement
- ability to lead by example and inspire others to achieve excellence in all that they do
- promote respect and collaboration between students, staff, parents, Governors and the wider community by building, supporting, motivating and working as part of a high-performing team
Glenwood School can offer the right candidate:
- truly amazing learners
- a lively, enthusiastic and caring ethos
- friendly, supportive and professional staff team
- strong and collaborative support of the Governing Body
- opportunity to have a positive impact on learner progress
- the opportunity to develop and grow professionally within the school and beyond
Glenwood School is renowned for its remarkable ethos, marked by such qualities as vibrancy, warmth, respect and joy. Please review the attached employment pack, providing further information about our school. Visiting the school is essential and warmly welcomed, as we are looking for a candidate who can embrace our ethos and work with us as we continue to move forward as an outstanding school.
Please call 01268 792575 or email hannah.bryant@glenwood.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit. Visits are scheduled for:
- Friday 13 June 2025 AM
- Thursday 19 June 2025 PM
Glenwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults and expects all staff to uphold our high standards. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Headteacher employer: Shorefields
Contact Detail:
Shorefields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to visit Glenwood School before applying. This will give you a firsthand experience of the school's ethos and environment, allowing you to tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current staff or alumni if possible. Understanding their experiences can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which you can reference in discussions with the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in special needs education. Highlighting your proven leadership skills and innovative approaches will resonate well with the governing body looking for excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest research and best practices in special needs education. Being able to discuss these during your interview will showcase your commitment to continuous improvement and high educational standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the expectations and responsibilities of the Headteacher position. Pay special attention to the attributes the school is looking for, such as leadership skills and commitment to inclusion.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in special needs education and leadership roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to raise educational standards and inspire others.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for special needs education and how your vision aligns with Glenwood School's ethos. Mention your commitment to inclusion and provide examples of how you've successfully implemented innovative teaching approaches.
Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, prepare for the interview by reflecting on your leadership style and how you would promote collaboration within the school community. Be ready to discuss your strategies for maintaining high educational standards and supporting diverse learners.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly understand Glenwood School's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to innovation and excellence in special needs education, as well as their focus on inclusion and equality. This will help you align your responses with what they are looking for.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your proven leadership and management skills. Highlight specific examples where you've developed and implemented a vision that led to improved educational standards. Be ready to explain how you inspire and motivate others to achieve excellence.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Glenwood School values respect and collaboration among students, staff, and the wider community. Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully built supportive relationships and fostered teamwork. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a high-performing team.
✨Prepare for Questions on SEND
Given the school's focus on complex SEND, anticipate questions related to your understanding and experience in this area. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted learning programmes and therapies to meet diverse needs, ensuring every pupil achieves their personal best.
