At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a brand-new all-through SEND school for children with complex needs.
- Company: Integrity Education Solutions, a respected multi-academy trust in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, expert support, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to build a school from the ground up with community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with severe learning difficulties.
- Qualifications: Experienced senior leader with 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 the 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.
Principal of All-Through SEND School. 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 all-through SEND school in East London. With a strong commitment to inclusive education, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and development, supported by a network of experienced leaders and embedded specialist services. This role not only provides the chance to shape the school's vision and curriculum from the ground up but also ensures stability through the backing of a respected multi-academy trust.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal of All-Through SEND School. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in SEND. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the trust and its values. Understand their approach to SEND education and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved outcomes in previous roles. This will help them see you as the right fit for shaping the new school's culture and ethos.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal of All-Through SEND School. 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. We want to see how committed you are to making a difference in the lives of children with complex needs. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your dedication!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in SEND leadership and how it aligns with our vision at Integrity Education Solutions. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, as this is crucial in leading a school and engaging with families and the community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team and ready to take the next step in your career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of SEND education, especially regarding severe learning difficulties. Familiarise yourself with current best practices and innovative approaches in the field, as this will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Craft a Vision for the New School
Prepare a clear vision for the new all-through SEND school. Think about how you would shape its ethos and culture from the ground up. Be ready to discuss how you plan to engage with families and the community to ensure the school meets their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to talk about your leadership experience and how you’ve successfully developed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you’ve fostered a positive and inclusive culture, as this aligns with the values of the trust.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you would build partnerships with families and external agencies. During the interview, share ideas on how to position the school as a central part of the local community, demonstrating your commitment to collaboration and support.
