Headteacher - Specialist SEND School
Salary: 55,000 - 75,000 per annum
Full Time 40 hours per week Permanent
Simply Education is recruiting an experienced and inspirational Headteacher to lead an established independent specialist school supporting young people aged 11-19 with Special Educational Needs , predominantly Autism.
This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity for an ambitious SEND education professional who is passionate about creating an environment where young people with additional and complex needs can feel safe, achieve academically and prepare successfully for adulthood.
The successful Headteacher will provide both strategic and operational leadership , taking responsibility for educational quality, safeguarding, school improvement, staff development and the overall wellbeing and outcomes of pupils.
About the School
The school provides specialist education for young people aged 11-19 with a range of additional needs, primarily associated with Autism .
Pupils benefit from a safe, supportive and low-sensory learning environment , alongside an ambitious curriculum incorporating GCSE qualifications, personalised learning and enrichment opportunities.
The school's approach combines high expectations with trauma-informed and therapeutic practice , recognising that every young person requires an individualised approach to learning, behaviour and personal development.
This is an excellent opportunity to lead a specialist provision with a strong focus on helping young people achieve meaningful outcomes and successfully transition into further education, employment, training and adulthood.
The Role
As Headteacher, you will be the lead professional within the school and will set the tone, culture and strategic direction of the provision.
You will:
- Provide inspirational leadership and establish a clear vision for the continued development of the school.
- Promote an inclusive, nurturing and aspirational culture where pupils and staff can thrive.
- Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, education and pupil wellbeing .
- Lead a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach across the school.
- Drive consistently high standards of teaching and learning using evidence-informed practice.
- Oversee the development and delivery of a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum tailored to individual pupil needs.
- Ensure pupils' EHCPs, IEPs and personalised learning pathways are effectively implemented, monitored and reviewed.
- Lead and develop teaching, SEND, pastoral and wider support teams.
- Establish high expectations around behaviour, relationships and professional conduct.
- Ensure effective pastoral systems support pupils' mental health, wellbeing and personal development.
- Develop positive partnerships with families, professionals, external agencies and other key stakeholders.
- Take responsibility for staffing, budgets, resources and facilities, ensuring these support the school's educational priorities.
- Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards, safeguarding legislation and health and safety requirements .
- Work closely with governors and senior leaders, providing accurate reporting and strategic advice.
- Champion high-quality CPD, coaching and professional development across the school.
About You
We are looking for an experienced education leader who combines strong strategic leadership with a genuine passion for specialist education.
Essential requirements include:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Proven senior leadership experience within a special school, SEND provision or similarly complex educational setting .
- Strong knowledge and understanding of Autism, SEND and complex pupil needs .
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding and statutory responsibilities within education.
- Strong knowledge of the Ofsted Independent School Inspection Framework and Independent School Standards .
- Experience of driving school improvement and improving outcomes for pupils.
- The ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams.
- A strong understanding of curriculum development and quality of education.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- A clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
NPQH or an equivalent leadership qualification is highly desirable.
What's on Offer?
This is a senior leadership opportunity with an extensive package of professional development, wellbeing and employee benefits, including:
- Salary of 55,000 - 75,000 per annum
- Fully funded CPD and professional development
- Enhanced pay scales recognising qualifications and experience
- Extensive support from experienced regional and senior management teams
- Dedicated administrative support
- Centralised HR, finance, payroll and recruitment support
- Access to an established network of specialist Headteachers for peer support and collaboration
- Regular Headteacher conferences and opportunities to share best practice
- Access to Educational Psychologists and specialist clinical teams
- Psychology and attachment-aware support and training
- Weekly Headteacher wellbeing drop-in sessions
- 10 enhanced INSET days
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Life assurance
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- Employee referral scheme
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Head Teacher in England employer: Simply Education Ltd
Simply Education is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, where ambition and hard work are recognised and rewarded. With competitive salaries, uncapped commission, and performance bonuses, employees have the opportunity to build a successful career in recruitment while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working options in the vibrant location of Kent. The company prioritises employee growth, offering long-term progression and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the education sector.
