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- Tasks: Lead a welcoming special school and inspire students aged 3-16 with SEND.
- Company: The Cedar School, a supportive environment focused on pupil wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive staff, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of exceptional children and lead with compassion and vision.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in SEND and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Informal visits welcomed; join us in creating an inclusive educational journey.
The predicted salary is between 93424 - 108202 £ per year.
The Cedar School is a place where every young person is valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. We wish to appoint an inspirational and committed Headteacher to lead our welcoming special school, and to take it on the next stage of its journey. Our current pupils are aged 3 – 16 years with a range of SEND and complex health needs.
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Provide strong, compassionate leadership with a clear vision for inclusive, high-quality education.
- Have proven experience in SEND and a deep commitment to pupil wellbeing and achievement.
- Lead teaching, learning and safeguarding with confidence and integrity.
- Build positive relationships with families, professionals and the wider community.
In return, we offer a supportive governing body, enthusiastic staff, and the chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of exceptional children and young people.
Informal visits are welcomed from week commencing 19 January 2026. To arrange a visit please contact the School Business Manager.
Closing date: 8th February 2026
Interview dates: 23rd & 24th February 2026
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Headteacher - The Cedar School in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher - The Cedar School in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before applying! We recommend visiting The Cedar School to get a feel for the environment and meet the staff. This will not only help you understand their values but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. We can learn a lot from their experiences, and it might give you an edge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the school's vision for inclusive education and pupil wellbeing. We suggest practising your responses with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - The Cedar School in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and commitment to SEND shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and lead a team while making a real difference in the lives of our pupils.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in SEND and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to provide strong, compassionate leadership, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you. Share your vision for inclusive education and how you plan to build positive relationships with families and the community.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly and gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your vision for inclusive education. Think about how you can inspire both staff and students at The Cedar School. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented this in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your SEND Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your understanding of complex health needs and how you've successfully supported pupils in similar situations.
✨Build Relationships
Discuss your approach to building positive relationships with families and the wider community. Think of strategies you've used in the past to engage parents and professionals, and be prepared to explain how these can be applied at The Cedar School.
✨Emphasise Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a top priority, be ready to talk about your commitment to pupil wellbeing. Share your experiences related to safeguarding practices and how you ensure a safe environment for all students, which aligns with the school's values.
