At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school dedicated to transforming lives for children with special educational needs.
- Company: Birtenshaw Group, a social enterprise focused on education and care.
- Benefits: Supportive leadership team, innovative learning environments, and a commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Join a motivated team committed to high standards and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education, especially with special needs and autism.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking to appoint an exceptional and inspirational leader for the role of Head of School.
About Us
The Birtenshaw Group is a Social Enterprise Business. That means that there are no shareholders and all profit is reinvested to enhance services or develop new ones. We are committed to Transforming Lives for children and young adults with special educational needs and disability (SEND).
About this Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic leader with a proven track record. Working in partnership with the Director: Education, the newly appointed Head of School will be expected to provide outstanding leadership of the school, promoting and securing a foundation in order to achieve high standards in all areas. As Head of School you will be responsible for setting high aspirations and maintaining the highest standards of provision by creating a comprehensive development strategy that will provide staff with direction and encourage students to aim high. Supported by the Director: Education, School Governing Board and the Board of Trustees, you will provide strong leadership to the school to ensure the delivery of outstanding education.
What we are looking for
The successful candidate will be a motivational leader with a proven track record of educational development especially in the field of special educational needs and autism. You will need to show commitment to our mission, aims and values.
We can offer:
- A motivated and supportive senior leadership team and School Governing Board
- Dedicated, ambitious and caring staff who work hard to ensure learners have the best learning opportunities.
- Stimulating and innovative learning environments – indoors and outdoors.
For further information visit www.birtenshaw.org.uk or to discuss the role or arrange a visit please contact Amy Standish (Director: Education) on 01204 304 230 or email at amy.standish@birtenshaw.org.uk.
Closing Date: 06/05/26 at 12 noon
Interviews: 20/05/26
All employees are required to commit to implementing Birtenshaw Group policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of children and adults. The Birtenshaw Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users and expects all employees to share and uphold this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, this means that any potential employee is still required to disclose what would normally be considered a “spent” conviction. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in confidence and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed via the DBS website. All offers of employment are made subject to safeguarding / pre-employment checks including satisfactory references, pre‑employment medical, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre‑employment checks where applicable.
Head Teacher employer: The Birtenshaw Group
Contact Detail:
The Birtenshaw Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with special educational needs. They might have insider info on the role or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Birtenshaw Group's mission and values. Show us how your leadership style aligns with our commitment to transforming lives for children and young adults with SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but also be ready for scenario-based questions. We want to see how you would handle real-life challenges in a school setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show us that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for transforming lives shine through. We want to see how committed you are to making a difference in the field of special educational needs and disability (SEND).
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your proven track record in educational development, especially with SEND and autism. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've inspired others.
Align with Our Values: Take a moment to reflect on our mission and values. In your application, show us how your personal beliefs align with what we stand for at Birtenshaw Group. This connection is key to us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to explore more about our organisation while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Birtenshaw Group
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the mission and values of The Birtenshaw Group. Reflect on how your own leadership style aligns with their commitment to transforming lives for children and young adults with special educational needs and disability (SEND). This will help you articulate your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your proven track record in educational development, particularly in special educational needs and autism. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams, implemented strategies, and achieved high standards in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Panel
During the interview, engage actively with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and future goals. This shows that you're not just interested in the position but are also keen to contribute to the school's vision and development strategy.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you inspire and motivate staff and students alike. Share examples of how you've created a supportive and ambitious environment in your previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of School position.