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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to empower students' futures and wellbeing.
- Company: Progress Schools, committed to prioritising wellbeing and personal growth.
- Benefits: Amazing perks like gym discounts and a free wellbeing app.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in education leadership and a passion for student wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it's a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional?
Well at Progress Schools, that's just the approach we take.
Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics-enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of surplus admin too.
Your work-life balance matters. That's why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible.
And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. So we want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools.
But that's not all, we also offer…
- Professional Development: Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague!
- Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary.
- Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
- Health and Wellbeing Cashback: Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually.
- Recognition Awards: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards.
- Referral Bonus: £500 for referring top talent.
- Exclusive Discounts: MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewards
- Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT
- Group Connection: Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review.
Who are we looking for from you?
- Engagement Skills: Demonstrated ability to inspire and engage learners, supporting them in achieving their ambitions. Able to bring fresh ideas, creativity, and proactive leadership to both the classroom and wider school environment.
- Emotional Support: Passionate about making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of young people-particularly those requiring additional support.
- Academic Background: Degree in a relevant subject area is essential.
- Core Teaching Qualifications: QTS or QTLS (or an overseas equivalent) is required. NPQH or working towards it is desirable.
- Experience: Proven leadership experience in an educational setting (Head of Department, SLT, or Headteacher level), ideally within an alternative provision or similar setting. Experience managing staff teams and small school cohorts is essential.
- Teaching Subjects: Strong understanding and oversight of core subject delivery (English, Maths, Science), with a track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes.
- Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the alternative provision landscape, school compliance requirements, and Independent School Standards. Familiarity with working with learners with SEN and additional needs is key.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive in addressing challenges and implementing effective solutions to enhance pupil outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills with staff, learners, and external stakeholders.
- Promotion of Values: A clear commitment to upholding and promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, wellbeing, and British values within the school community.
- Time Management: Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities, staff development, curriculum oversight, and regulatory compliance.
About the School:
Progress Schools is part of The Progress Group, the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools.
At Progress Schools – Thrapston we support approximately 35 pupils on roll to ensure that we can provide ample opportunities for children who need a nurturing, encouraging and supportive environment, specifically for those who will reintegrate back into a mainstream setting. The school consists of a core team of the Head of School, Deputy Head of School, five teachers, and five support staff. Further support is also provided by regional and national staff, who work with a number of schools across our group.
Please Click Here to view Job Description.
How to Apply: Ready to be a part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY. If you have any further queries, then please get in touch with our friendly recruitment team by emailing
Let's redefine education together! #JoinOurTeam #EducationRevolution #AlternativeEducation #HeadOfSchoolWanted
Diversity and Inclusion Statement: The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. All employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs.
Safeguarding Statement: We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices. For details of our commitment to safer recruitment please visit our website for further information.
Note: We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.
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Head of School employer: The Progress Group
Contact Detail:
The Progress Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Progress Schools on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture. Understand their commitment to wellbeing and think of examples from your experience that align with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education and wellbeing during the interview. Share stories that highlight how you've empowered others in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and wellbeing shine through. We want to see how you can empower futures and make a real difference in our schools!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of School role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our commitment to wellbeing and professional growth. We love seeing how you fit into our vision!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your personal journey and how it connects to our mission at Progress Schools. We want to know what drives you!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Progress Group
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, dive deep into Progress Schools' values and mission. They prioritise wellbeing and personal growth, so think about how your own values align with theirs. Be ready to share examples of how you've fostered a positive environment in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of School, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare to discuss your management style and how you empower your team. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and support staff while maintaining high standards for student success.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, especially related to student wellbeing and staff development. Think through potential challenges you might face and articulate your strategies for overcoming them, demonstrating your proactive mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about their initiatives for staff wellbeing or how they measure success in their schools. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
