Head of School in Peacehaven

To work in close partnership with the Executive Headteacher as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing both strategic and operational leadership for a designated Southover Partnership site (Kingsbury, Edgware and Finchley). The role is focused on sustaining a safe, inclusive and therapeutic environment that meets the complex needs of pupils with SEND and SEMH, while securing high-quality, accessible education and consistently positive outcomes for all learners. The post holder will lead improvement in behaviour, engagement, learning and personal development, ensuring full compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, particularly in safeguarding, SEND and SEMH provision. The role will promote a culture of continuous improvement and high expectations, working collaboratively with families, colleagues and external professionals.

Vision

We nurture happy and confident young people, equipping them for the opportunities and challenges of the wider world.

Values

• Child‑centred: Children and families are at the centre of decision‑making, with teaching adapted to individual needs.
• Empathy: We understand emotional needs and act in pupils’ best interests.
• High Aspirations: We recognise potential, celebrate progress and strive for excellence.
• Accountability: We are dependable, proactive and professional in all aspects of our work.
• Excellence: We welcome feedback, pursue development and remain reflective.
• Respect: We treat others with dignity, fairness and professionalism.
• Collaboration: We work as one partnership, sharing knowledge and expertise.

Specific Purpose

To lead and manage the Finchley site within The Southover Partnership.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Work with the Executive Headteacher to embed the vision across the Partnership.
• Translate vision into clear strategic and operational plans.
• Inspire a positive, innovative and forward‑thinking culture.
• Ensure strategic planning leads to measurable improvement across all sites.

Teaching and Learning

• Maintain a strong focus on pupil progress and achievement.
• Ensure curriculum quality underpins resource allocation and planning.
• Promote high expectations, engagement, positive behaviour and attendance.
• Oversee the monitoring and development of effective classroom practice.

Personal Development and Staffing

• Promote an inclusive and respectful school culture.
• Develop leadership capacity and effective team structures.
• Ensure strong induction, professional development and performance management.
• Use coaching and feedback to support staff improvement.
• Address underperformance and celebrate success.
• Promote staff wellbeing and work‑life balance.

Organisational Management

• Contribute to and implement the School Improvement Plan.
• Manage staffing, budgets and resources efficiently.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety compliance.
• Use technology to improve learning and operational efficiency.

Accountability

• Promote transparency and shared responsibility.
• Provide accurate reporting to Trustees, parents and carers.
• Work closely with the Trustee Board.
• Reflect on feedback to strengthen leadership impact.

Community and Partnerships

• Promote inclusion and equality.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Strengthen multi‑agency collaboration.
• Encourage community engagement and external opportunities.
• Work with external agencies to safeguard pupils.

Working Environment

The post holder will be based within The Southover Partnership, a small specialist SEND provision across three sites. Flexibility is required, including working across sites as part of the Senior Leadership Team. The role involves direct work with pupils who experience significant social, emotional, behavioural and learning needs and may include occasional lone working. Resilience, adaptability and consistent use of positive behaviour strategies are essential.

Safeguarding, Equality and Pre‑Employment Checks

The Southover Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and other relevant recruitment checks. All employees have a responsibility for data protection and must comply with GDPR regulations. The Southover Partnership welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation. All applicants must be able to provide evidence of the right to work in the UK.