The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious school leader to lead Curnow School through its next stage of development. Working closely with colleagues across the Special Partnership Trust, the successful candidate will build upon the school's existing strengths while providing clear strategic leadership in the areas identified as priorities for continued improvement. This role offers the rare opportunity to combine the autonomy of leading a highly regarded specialist school with the support, challenge and collective expertise of a leading SEND Trust, influencing both the future of Curnow and the wider development of specialist education.
Key Responsibilities
- providing strong and visible leadership;
- continuing to develop the quality of education;
- strengthening culture, expectations and staff development;
- ensuring consistently strong safeguarding practice;
- building relationships with pupils, families and stakeholders;
- contributing to the wider strategic development of the Trust.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a values-led leader who combines high expectations with a genuine commitment to our pupils, staff and wider school community. You will have the leadership experience, professional knowledge and personal credibility to provide clear strategic direction while building strong relationships and bringing others with you.
We are looking for a leader who shares our unwavering belief that every child can succeed when provided with the right environment, support, challenge, and opportunities. Our new Headteacher will be passionate about special education and committed to promoting the highest standards of teaching, learning, care, and inclusion across the school.
The successful candidate will
Have a proven track record of successful leadership and school improvement.
Be passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Champion a culture of high expectations, aspiration, and achievement for every pupil.
Be committed to delivering an engaging and ambitious curriculum that prepares pupils for adulthood, independence, and future opportunities.
Understand the importance of communication, wellbeing, personal development, and inclusion in enabling pupils to thrive.
Lead with integrity, compassion, and resilience, building strong relationships with pupils, families, staff, governors, and external partners.
Inspire and empower staff through a collaborative and supportive leadership style.
Have the vision and strategic expertise to lead the school through its next phase of development and growth.
We are seeking someone who recognises that success for our pupils is measured not only by academic outcomes but also by the acquisition of communication, independence, confidence, wellbeing, and life skills. They will share our commitment to ensuring that learning is purposeful, engaging, and tailored to the needs of every individual.
Above all, we want a Headteacher who will embrace the values and ethos of Curnow School, celebrating our pupils' achievements, supporting our dedicated staff team, and ensuring that every child is empowered to lead a fulfilling and successful life.
This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader who is ambitious for children, committed to excellence, and ready to shape the future of one of Cornwall's leading special schools.
Our Total Reward Offer
The Special Partnership Trust recognises the importance of developing a properly implemented People Strategy to underpin the overall strategic aims of the Trust.
Our People Strategy is designed to help us attract prospective high calibre candidates, as well as drive engagement, productivity and retention of our high performing and high potential employees. It reflects our belief in putting our people first. This does not mean putting our learners second. It is based on the philosophy that if we create a positive and rewarding work environment, if our staff feel motivated, well managed and well supported, they in turn will provide the best possible outcome for our learners.
We recognise that our total reward offer, has got to consist of more than just money. We seek to provide our staff with a diverse range of benefits that support their day to day needs both at work and outside of work. These include generous leave entitlements and pension scheme as well as access to health/wellbeing tools, training & development, career pathways and opportunities to ensure they feel valued.
Please visit the Special Partnership website, www.specialpartnership.org for further information about our Trust, or to learn more about our People Strategy and Benefits click here.
If you need the application form or any part of the recruitment process in a different format, please contact us directly at recruitment@specialpartnership.org and we will make the necessary adjustments.
Safeguarding
The Special Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to the satisfactory completion of checks and references, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In accordance with guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education; the Trust will undertake an online search of all shortlisted candidates.
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Headteacher - Curnow School employer: Special Partnership Trust
Mill Water School, as part of the Special Partnership Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. Located in the picturesque East Devon on the grounds of Bicton College, we prioritise professional development and offer comprehensive training to ensure our SEN Teaching Assistants thrive in their roles. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth.
