At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a brand-new SEND school for pupils with severe learning difficulties.
- Company: Integrity Education Solutions, a respected multi-academy trust in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, expert support, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a school from the ground up with strong community ties.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs from day one.
- Qualifications: Experienced senior leader with significant SEND expertise and QTS/QTLS qualification.
The predicted salary is between 117500 - 136000 £ per year.
Integrity Education Solutions are supporting a SEN multi academy trust that provides specialist education and support for children and young people with complex needs across a range of settings, from early intervention through to post-16 provision. They are seeking to appoint an experienced Principal from January 2027 for a rare and career-defining opportunity to open and lead a brand-new, all-through SEND school for pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD), based in East London. This is a unique chance to shape vision, culture, curriculum and provision from the ground up, while benefiting from the support, expertise and infrastructure of a highly respected specialist trust. The new school will sit at the heart of an established community, with excellent transport links via the Elizabeth Line. The school reflects a strong commitment to partnership working with families, professionals and the wider community to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people with complex needs.
The Role
The Principal will be accountable to the CEO and Trust Board for the successful establishment and leadership of the new school. This includes shaping its ethos, leading its phased growth and ensuring high-quality education and care from day one. In the initial stages, the appointed candidate will work closely with the CEO, Quality of Education Lead and experienced Principals across the Trust, benefiting from a structured induction, mentoring and collaboration programme ahead of the school opening. This role offers a unique blend of autonomy and creativity, alongside the stability and support of an established SEND trust.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & School Development
- Develop and embed a shared vision and ethos aligned with Trust values
- Lead the planning, opening and growth of a new SEND provision
- Work in partnership with Trust leaders and governors to deliver strategic priorities
- Teaching, Learning & Curriculum
- Design and implement an innovative, personalised SEND curriculum
- Ensure excellence in teaching, assessment and pupil progress
- Promote best practice in SEND pedagogy, communication and independence
- Leadership of People & Culture
- Build and develop a high-performing, values-driven staff team
- Foster a positive, inclusive and ambitious school culture
- Lead performance management, coaching and professional development
- Safeguarding & Community Engagement
- Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and pupil welfare
- Build strong partnerships with families and external agencies
- Position the school as a central part of the local community
- Operational Leadership
- Work with central teams on finance, HR and operations
- Establish effective systems and processes for sustainable school operation
- Maximise the impact of integrated therapy and specialist services
The Ideal Candidate
- Be an experienced senior leader with significant SEND expertise (Preferably SLD Complex needs)
- QTS QTLS qualified
- Demonstrate a strong track record of improving outcomes and developing teams
- Be passionate about inclusive education and ambitious for all learners
- Possess strong strategic, communication and leadership skills
- Thrive on collaboration with families, professionals and communities
- Be motivated by the opportunity to lead a school from its inception
Why Join?
- As Principal, you will benefit from:
- Expert central support across finance, HR and operations
- Access to embedded specialist therapy services
- A strong peer network of SEND leaders
- A culture of collaboration and professional growth
- The security of an established Trust alongside the freedom to lead
Salary: £117,500 - £136,000 FTE (Dependent on experience)
Closing date for CV applications: Friday 29th May 2026
Interviews to be held on: 16th and 17th June 2026
Visits and initial discussions with the CEO of the MAT also advised and can be arranged. Integrity Education Solutions is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, employment history scrutiny, references and online searches in line with safer recruitment practices.
Headteacher. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Integrity Education Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a brand-new SEND school in East London. With a strong commitment to inclusive education, the role provides extensive support from a respected multi-academy trust, fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and community engagement. As Principal, you will have the autonomy to shape the school's vision while benefiting from expert resources and a network of SEND leaders, making this a truly rewarding career-defining position.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school or within the trust. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's vision and values. We want to align our leadership style with their ethos, so think about how we can contribute to shaping that from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our SEND expertise during discussions. Bring examples of how we've improved outcomes in previous roles, especially with complex needs. This will highlight our capability to lead the new school effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it keeps everything organised on their end, making it easier for us to follow up.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your passion for special educational needs shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to inclusive education and how you've made a difference in the lives of students with complex needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and ideal candidate traits mentioned in the job description. Use relevant examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
Highlight Leadership Experience:As this role is all about leadership, be sure to emphasise your previous leadership roles and achievements. Discuss how you've successfully led teams, developed school culture, and improved educational outcomes in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you can ensure that your application reaches us promptly and you can easily keep track of your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for the new SEND school. Be ready to articulate how you would shape its ethos and culture, aligning it with the Trust's values. This will show your passion and commitment to inclusive education.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise in leading SEND initiatives. Highlight your track record of improving outcomes and developing teams, as this is crucial for the role of Principal.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you would build partnerships with families and external agencies. Be prepared to discuss strategies for community engagement and how you would position the school at the heart of the local area.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the challenges ahead. Inquire about the support structures in place and how you can collaborate with other leaders within the Trust to ensure a successful launch.
