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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 Theale employer: THE CASTLE SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
THE CASTLE SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Theale
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Visit The Castle School, chat with staff, and soak up the vibe. This will not only help you understand their culture but also show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your leadership style. Think about specific examples where you've inspired teams or driven change in a similar environment. We want to hear how you can empower others to achieve outstanding outcomes!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your approach to inclusive education. Share your insights on SEND and how you’ve successfully supported students with complex needs. This is your chance to shine a light on your commitment to every child's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Theale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're filling out your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your passion for education and how you connect with students, especially those with additional needs. Share your unique experiences and insights that make you the perfect fit for our vibrant SEN community.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to carefully read the Person Specification and tailor your supporting statement accordingly. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for in a Headteacher. This is your chance to show us how you can drive outstanding outcomes for every child!
Explain Employment Gaps: If you've had any gaps in your employment since leaving full-time education, don't shy away from explaining them. Be honest and clear about what you were up to during that time. We appreciate transparency and want to understand your journey!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website or TES. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at The Castle School. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting submit!
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.
✨Emphasise Holistic Education
Since the role involves leading a holistic environment, be ready to talk about how you would integrate therapeutic approaches into the curriculum. Share any past experiences where you've successfully woven therapies into educational settings, highlighting the impact on student engagement and learning.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the school's culture, challenges, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to staff development and how they support their educators.