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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant SEN community and drive outstanding outcomes for every child.
- Company: The Castle School, dedicated to inclusive education and holistic development.
- Benefits: Empowering leadership role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education for children with additional needs and inspire your team.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND and a passion for inclusive education.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on nurturing and ambitious outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
Are you an inspiring and experienced leader looking to drive outstanding outcomes for every child? The Governors of The Castle School are looking to appoint an exceptional Headteacher to lead our vibrant SEN community. This is a unique opportunity to build on a strong foundation and shape the future of a multi-faceted provision whose purpose is to educate, motivate, inspire, and celebrate all children with additional needs.
Our school offers:
- Integrated Therapeutic Approach: You will lead a truly holistic environment where speech and language, occupational, and creative therapies are woven into the very fabric of our daily curriculum.
- Specialist SEMH provision: Our dedicated Social, Emotional, and Mental Health unit in Theale focuses on trauma-informed practice and restorative growth to help students find their voice and their footing.
- Vibrant Post-16 College: We do more than teach; we prepare. Our Post-16 site is a launchpad for adulthood, focusing on vocational excellence, employability, and the confidence to navigate the wider world.
About the Role: As Headteacher, you will lead an environment where "complex needs" are met with sophisticated solutions. You will empower and inspire your team to look beyond the surface delivering exceptional outcomes tailored to meet each student’s unique needs. You will explore ways to evolve our therapeutic models and enable our learners to transition into the world with purpose. You will provide visionary leadership ensuring a safe, nurturing, and ambitious environment where students thrive and staff feel inspired, motivated, and supported. You will oversee the overall performance, development, and success of the school and ensure full compliance with safeguarding, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
Who you are: You are an ambitious and empathetic leader who understands that, for our students, success is not just a grade. It is a gained skill, a managed emotion, or a successful step into the community. You bring a deep understanding of SEND and are committed to inclusive education and aspirational outcomes for every student.
Application closing date: 12 noon 17th April 2026
The Interview will be a two day process 27th and 28th April 2026
Informal visits welcomed w/c 13th April. Call Cassy Clark, HR Officer, on 01635 42976 or email hr@castle.w-berks.sch.uk to arrange to come and see the school.
How to apply: Please complete an application form via TES, the school’s website The Castle School - Home or ask Cassy to email you one. Please complete all sections of the application form, explain any gaps in employment since leaving full time education, and include in the supporting statement details of how you meet the criteria identified in the Person Specification.
The Castle School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment and are in line with the guidance in KCSIE. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-disclosure form. Successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks including online searches to help identify any incidents and/or issues which may be relevant to your suitability for the role, which the school may want to explore further with you.
Headteacher in Newbury employer: THE CASTLE SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
THE CASTLE SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Newbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Take Cassy up on that offer for an informal visit. It’s a great way to see the environment and get a feel for the team and students you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your leadership style. Think about specific examples where you've inspired teams or driven change in a similar setting. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on qualifications; share your passion for inclusive education. Talk about how you’ve supported students with SEND and how you plan to continue that at The Castle School.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're filling out your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of students with additional needs.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the criteria in the Person Specification. Highlight your experience with SEND and how you've driven positive outcomes in previous roles. This is your chance to stand out!
Be Honest About Gaps: If there are any gaps in your employment history, don’t shy away from explaining them. We appreciate transparency and want to understand your journey, so be open about what you’ve been up to during those times.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to complete your application via our website or TES. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to read it!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE CASTLE SCHOOL
✨Know Your SEN Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the latest practices, policies, and frameworks that support inclusive education. This will not only show your expertise but also your commitment to creating an environment where every child can thrive.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the school's vision. Think about specific examples where you've empowered your team or implemented innovative strategies that led to positive outcomes. This is your chance to demonstrate how you inspire and motivate others in a challenging educational landscape.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight your experience in building relationships with parents, staff, and external agencies. Be ready to share how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders to enhance student outcomes. This role requires a leader who can foster a sense of community, so showing your interpersonal skills will be key.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life situations. Think through potential challenges related to managing complex needs and how you would approach them. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.