Head of School - Thrapston in Northampton

Join us as a Head of Schools: Empower Futures! 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.

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!

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.