At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving special school, ensuring excellence in education and empowering staff.
- Company: The Village School, an Outstanding rated specialist community in Brent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a committed Senior Leadership Team and thrive in a dynamic multi-site environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young people with SEND and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education, particularly in SEND settings.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
The Village School is seeking an exceptional, decisive and values‑driven Head of School to lead our outstanding specialist community with clarity, ambition and purpose. We are a thriving special school, previously judged Outstanding by Ofsted (June 2023), serving over 310 pupils aged 3 to 19 in the London Borough of Brent. All our pupils hold an Education, Health and Care Plan; many have a diagnosis of Autism or complex medical needs. The school is organised across five distinctive villages and three sites, and is a place where, in the words of our inspectors, "there is no ceiling placed on what pupils can achieve," and we are determined to keep it that way.
This is a newly created post. Working in close partnership with the Director of Education at Compass Learning Partnership, the Head of School will provide strong, accountable and inspiring day‑to‑day leadership across the school – upholding and building upon our outstanding reputation, driving forward curriculum excellence, and ensuring every member of our talented staff team is led, developed and empowered to give their very best.
The successful candidate will provide direct line management to the Deputy Headteacher, three Assistant Headteachers, five Key Stage Leads and the Head of Therapy, and will be a key member of a committed Senior Leadership Team ready to work in partnership with new leadership, with clear direction and accountability.
We are looking for a leader who:
- Leads with confidence, integrity and high expectations – of themselves, of their team and of every pupil.
- Has a proven track record of strong, effective people management and the ability to hold leaders to account with compassion and clarity.
- Can drive and develop an ambitious, needs‑led curriculum across a specialist SEND setting, from EYFS through to Sixth Form and Post‑16.
- Knows how to delegate effectively and build leadership capacity at every level.
- Is committed to Preparing for Adulthood and to developing meaningful outcomes for young people with SEND.
- Understands the unique demands of leading a multi‑site specialist school and thrives under the strategic leadership and support of the Director of Education.
- Builds authentic, trusting partnerships with families, the Local Authority and multi‑agency professionals.
Head of School employer: The Village School
The Village School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on empowering educators, the school provides unique opportunities for leadership development within a thriving community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Located in the vibrant London Borough of Brent, employees benefit from a collaborative environment where innovation and compassion drive success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with special needs. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Understand their approach to SEND and be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to speak about your past experiences, highlight specific examples of how you've led teams to success, especially in a multi-site environment. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
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 passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of our pupils and how you embody our values.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading teams and managing diverse needs. We’re looking for someone who can drive curriculum excellence, so share specific examples that demonstrate your track record in this area.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you bring to the table. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead at The Village School.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Village School
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own values and how they align with those of The Village School. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles, especially in leadership positions.
✨Showcase Your People Management Skills
Prepare to share concrete examples of how you've effectively managed teams in the past. Highlight instances where you held leaders accountable while also supporting their development. This will demonstrate your ability to lead with compassion and clarity.
✨Understand the Curriculum Needs
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a specialist SEND setting. Be prepared to discuss how you would drive an ambitious, needs-led curriculum and provide meaningful outcomes for young people with SEND.
✨Build Authentic Partnerships
Think about how you've built trusting relationships with families and external professionals in your previous roles. Be ready to discuss strategies for fostering collaboration with the Local Authority and multi-agency professionals, as this is crucial for the role.
