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- Tasks: Lead a new SEMH Primary School, shaping its culture and curriculum from the ground up.
- Company: Storyy Group, dedicated to high-quality education for children with SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive CPD, and leadership development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by creating a safe and supportive school environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and significant leadership experience in education.
- Other info: Join a purpose-driven team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 66000 £ per year.
Storyy Group is a growing organisation specialising in high-quality education and support for children and young people with SEMH needs. We work with pupils who experience school refusal, trauma, anxiety, exclusion and disrupted education. Storyybrook represents the next stage of our journey, a fully registered Independent SEMH Primary School built on everything we’ve learned so far. Storyybrook is opening as an Independent SEMH Primary School in September 2026. It will serve 25–36 children aged 4–11 who have not thrived in mainstream education due to social, emotional and mental health needs. Many will arrive anxious, dysregulated, mistrustful of systems and adults, and unsure whether school can ever feel safe.
We are looking for a Headteacher who wants to build a school where children feel known, regulated and capable, not managed or processed. Someone who understands that strong outcomes are built on relationships, consistency and clarity, and who is excited by the responsibility of shaping a school from its foundations. This is a visible, hands-on leadership role within a small, purpose-driven setting. Your impact will be immediate and tangible.
The Purpose of the Role
As Headteacher, you will hold full responsibility for the strategic, operational and educational leadership of Storyybrook. You will work closely with the Storyy Directors, governance and wider leadership team to:
- Establish a calm, safe and relational school culture from day one
- Deliver a high-quality, SEMH-informed curriculum
- Ensure full compliance with Independent School Standards and statutory requirements
- Lead a trauma-informed, child-centred approach to behaviour and wellbeing
- Safeguard every pupil rigorously and consistently
- Build a staff team that feels supported, skilled and proud of their work
This is an opportunity to design systems that work for children, not force children to fit systems.
What You Will Be Accountable For
- Setting and sustaining a clear, values-led vision rooted in safety, trust and high expectations
- Being a visible, relational presence for pupils, staff and families
- Creating a culture where regulation, dignity and progress come before compliance
- Designing, implementing and reviewing a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum tailored to SEMH needs
- Ensuring teaching and learning is purposeful, flexible and responsive
- Monitoring pupil progress, engagement and wellbeing, ensuring individual needs are met
- Leading trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches
- Establishing clear, consistent systems for behaviour, reward and safety
- Holding ultimate responsibility for safeguarding and child protection
Compliance & Governance
- Leading school registration, readiness and ongoing Ofsted compliance
- Ensuring full adherence to Independent School Standards, Teacher Standards, Education Act requirements and health & safety legislation
- Working constructively with governance and proprietors to drive continuous improvement
- Recruiting, developing and retaining the right staff for a specialist SEMH setting
- Supporting performance, wellbeing and professional growth
- Modelling calm, reflective leadership, especially under pressure
Partnership Working
- Building strong relationships with families, local authorities and external professionals
- Representing Storyybrook and Storyy Group with credibility and confidence
- Contributing to the strategic development of Storyy Group’s wider education provision
Who This Role Is For
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Significant leadership experience within an education setting
- Proven experience working with pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and child development
- A track record of raising standards of behaviour, engagement and attainment
- Confidence working with external agencies and multi-disciplinary teams
- Capacity and appetite to contribute to the school set-up prior to September 2026
- Experience in Independent Schools, Alternative Provision or specialist settings
- Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections or school registration
- Senior leadership experience within SEMH provision
More important than a perfect CV is the right mindset: reflective, relational, resilient and child-first.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: £55,000 – £66,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
- Consultancy opportunity prior to September 2026 to support school set-up
- Extensive CPD and leadership development
- A school set within extensive grounds, including Forest School
- The chance to lead a school from the ground up
- Ongoing support from an experienced, values-aligned leadership team
- Opportunities for progression within a growing organisation
Safeguarding & Equality
Storyy Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to Apply
Please apply via this website with an up-to-date CV and contact details. Applications close on 13 February, with interviews taking place on 4 and 6 March. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact rob.sherwood@storyy.group. If you believe education should feel safe, relational and meaningful for every child, we would love to hear from you.
Headteacher – Storyybrook in Bracknell employer: Storyy
Contact Detail:
Storyy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher – Storyybrook in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture before your interview. Research Storyybrook and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about the role. Think about how you can contribute to building a safe and supportive environment for the children.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships and fostered a positive culture in previous roles. Highlight your experience with SEMH needs and how you can apply that at Storyybrook.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in reinforcing your interest in the position and leaving a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher – Storyybrook in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for education and how you connect with children who have SEMH needs. Share your personal experiences and insights that make you the right fit for Storyybrook.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your leadership experience and any work you've done with SEMH pupils. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges these children face, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills.
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, paint a picture of what you envision for Storyybrook. How will you create a safe and nurturing environment? We want to hear your ideas on building relationships and fostering a culture of trust and safety for both staff and students.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to apply through our website and include all requested documents. We appreciate attention to detail, so double-check everything before hitting send. Remember, the deadline is 13 February, so don’t leave it to the last minute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Storyy
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into Storyy Group's mission and values. Understand their focus on SEMH needs and how they aim to create a safe, relational environment for children. This will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your leadership experience in education, especially with SEMH and behavioural needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented trauma-informed practices or built strong relationships with pupils and staff. This will highlight your suitability for the Headteacher role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your approach to challenges like school refusal or anxiety in pupils. Think about how you would establish a calm school culture or handle a crisis. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your strategies clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the school's vision for the first year, how they plan to support staff wellbeing, or what success looks like for them. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
