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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic school focused on supporting children with complex needs.
- Company: The Place Independent School is dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, wellbeing days, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in whole school leadership at Deputy Head level or higher is essential.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy beautiful grounds with unique resources for learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Negotiable
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Bottesford, NG13 0EA
Closing Date: 28th April 2025
Whether you’re an aspirational senior leader looking for your next opportunity or an experienced school leader wanting a change of setting or workplace, we could be the role for you! We are set in the amazing grounds of Belvoir, overlooked by Belvoir Castle.
Why The Place? Our school has a particular focus on young people with complex trauma, attachment and mental health experiences and histories, past trauma and patterns of behaviour which cannot be accommodated within more mainstream educational settings. In our Primary site, our teachers inspire and engage pupils, mixing individual 1:1 and small group classroom learning opportunities depending on their need and level of direct adult support required. Children will be learning the core curriculum of Maths, English, PSHE, PE, Outdoor Education and Science, alongside a topic-based approach for the foundation subjects. We have a full therapeutic team on site ranging from art therapy, music therapy, animal therapy (yes, we have a full farm and equine stables!), SALT, Ed Psych, OT, and so on. Our pastoral and SEND division is outstanding; what we do for these children is above and beyond to ensure they get the very best chances moving forward.
What is the role? As Head of School, you’ll be steering an energetic and forward-thinking school. You will be inspiring a large team of 60 staff and empowering your leaders. With an executive head working across all sites and involved in other projects, this is a perfect chance for you to have overarching support where needed (with joint strategic vision, budget and HR oversight) but also the opportunity to lead your own school site, putting your own twist on operational running and bringing your own ideas.
Is this for you? Do you hold inclusion, equity, and a child-centred approach high in everything you do? Have you experience of whole school leadership at Deputy Head level or higher? Do you drive home at night creating plans in your head to make more wow moments? Have you a track record of results and reflections from leadership in education?
What can we offer you?
- Free breakfast and lunch daily
- Up to 5 wellbeing days a year
- A collaborative ethos, working with other schools in our organisation and colleagues
- Competitive salary
- High quality CPD
- Annual performance reviews with opportunity for development and salary increase
- A thorough induction process
- Grounds and resources that can aid and support learning, such as performing arts centre, MUGA, and gym
- Enthused team that think outside of the box
- An opportunity to positively impact (to a great extent) the futures and lives of our most vulnerable and complex children
- A staff wellbeing and mental health focus throughout all our decisions
- Free car parking
Contact: charlotte@theplaceindependentschool.co.uk or 07786022706 for a chat, tour or application pack.
Head of School employer: The PLACE Independent School
Contact Detail:
The PLACE Independent School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with complex trauma and mental health issues. Understanding these challenges will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the school's mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at The Place Independent School. They can provide valuable insights into the school culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the school's ethos of inclusion and child-centred approaches. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've empowered teams and driven positive outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the therapeutic approaches used at the school, such as art and music therapy. Showing an understanding of these methods can set you apart and highlight your readiness to support the holistic development of students.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of School position. Reflect on how your experience aligns with their focus on inclusion, equity, and child-centred approaches.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant leadership experience, particularly at Deputy Head level or higher. Emphasise your track record in driving results and reflections from your previous roles in education.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for working with vulnerable children and your vision for leading the school. Mention specific strategies you would implement to enhance the learning environment and support staff.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at The PLACE Independent School
✨Understand the School's Mission
Before your interview, take time to research The Place Independent School's focus on supporting children with complex trauma and mental health needs. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their inclusive and child-centred approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous experience in whole school leadership, particularly at Deputy Head level or higher. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, implemented innovative strategies, and achieved positive outcomes for students, especially those with special educational needs.
✨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 make tough decisions or manage crises, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Wellbeing
The role involves working closely with a large team and prioritising staff wellbeing. Be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration among staff and promote a positive work environment. Share any initiatives you've led that support staff mental health and professional development.
