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- Tasks: Lead and support students' social, emotional, and mental health needs in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join West Heath School, a therapeutic community dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, employee assistance, social events, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a supportive and fulfilling atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Must have QTS or a relevant degree and experience with special educational needs in secondary education.
- Other info: This role involves safeguarding responsibilities; an Enhanced DBS check is required.
The predicted salary is between 56320 - 62019 £ per year.
Job Overview
Salary: £56,320 – £62,019 (L5 – L9)
Working Hours: Full-time – Term Time Only
Closing Date: 2 September 2025
Interviews w/c: 8 September 2025
Starting Date: Autumn Term 2025 or Spring Term 2026
About the Role
Can you make a difference in the lives of our students? Are you challenged and solution-focused? Do you want to be part of our SEMH school community?
West Heath School is a challenging yet rewarding place to work, where our dedicated staff rebuild lives through education by teaching respect, encouraging responsibility, building relationships, and developing resilience. Our staff find working here fulfilling and meaningful.
We are a therapeutic school on an exciting journey to become a registered therapeutic community. We welcome staff who embrace this ethos.
Position Details
We are seeking a Head of Upper School to join our team. The Head of School will develop and manage a range of services to meet the social, emotional, and mental health needs of students, including overseeing offsite provision, contract management, risk assessments, mentoring students, leading assemblies and tutor sessions, collaborating with stakeholders and multi-agency teams, and managing staff and tutor teams.
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate must hold at minimum QTS or a relevant degree, have experience teaching children with special educational and emotional needs in a secondary setting, and be knowledgeable in effective behaviour management strategies and their implementation.
Our Commitment
We promote the development of life skills and social development alongside academic achievement, aiming to help students reintegrate into mainstream learning and prepare for adulthood.
Benefits
- Free lunches
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Charity Discount Scheme
- Summer and Christmas social events
- Free onsite parking
- Swimming pool
- Excellent training opportunities, both internal and external
Additional Information
For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us at
Working at West Heath School involves close contact with vulnerable groups, including children, and is a regulated activity. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening, including an Enhanced DBS check. Management positions require a 128 Check.
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Head of Upper School employer: TES FE News
Contact Detail:
TES FE News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Upper School
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos of West Heath School. Understanding their commitment to social, emotional, and mental health will help you align your experiences and values with theirs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage staff and lead teams effectively. Highlight any successful initiatives you've implemented in similar settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Research current trends and best practices in behaviour management strategies, especially for students with special educational needs. Being knowledgeable about these can set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the SEMH education sector. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights and potentially valuable connections that may assist you in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Upper School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Upper School position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience working with children who have special educational and emotional needs. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully implemented behaviour management strategies in a secondary setting.
Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your commitment to the ethos of the school by discussing your approach to fostering social, emotional, and mental health development in students. Mention any relevant training or initiatives you've been involved in.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for making a difference in students' lives. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the school's mission and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at TES FE News
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to research West Heath School's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as their journey towards becoming a registered therapeutic community. This will help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with children who have special educational and emotional needs. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully implemented behaviour management strategies and how these experiences have shaped your approach to teaching and leadership.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about past experiences where you've had to manage risks or mentor students, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, including parents, staff, and external agencies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in multi-agency teams and how you plan to foster these relationships at West Heath School.