Head Of Primary

Are you an experienced educational leader ready to make a lasting impact? Do you believe every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued and achieve their full potential?

Wessex Lodge Primary is looking for an exceptional Head of Primary to lead our specialist primary provision, inspiring a talented team and creating an environment where children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs can thrive.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious and supportive leadership team, playing a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the school while leading the day-to-day delivery of outstanding education. Whether you're an experienced senior leader or an ambitious leader preparing for Headship, this role offers the opportunity to develop your leadership career while transforming the lives of children every single day.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Primary provision, creating a safe, nurturing and inspiring learning environment.
• Drive high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and wellbeing, ensuring every pupil achieves their full potential.
• ChampionTrauma-Informed Practice, embedding a relational and therapeutic approach across the Primary provision.
• Lead, motivate and develop teaching and support staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, high expectations and continuous improvement.
• Monitor the quality of teaching and learning through coaching, quality assurance and professional development.
• Oversee curriculum implementation, assessment and personalised learning to ensure outstanding outcomes for every pupil.
• Coordinate Primary CPD and INSET programmes, supporting colleagues to develop and excel.
• Lead staff appraisals, mentoring and performance development.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Primary provision, including staffing, pupil support and safeguarding.
• Build strong relationships with pupils, families, local authorities and external professionals to ensure joined-up support.
• Lead on pupil reintegration, interventions and therapeutic support strategies.
• Contribute strategically as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, helping shape school improvement and future development.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.
• Has significant leadership experience within SEMH, SEND, specialist or therapeutic education.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for children with additional needs.
• Has a strong understanding of Trauma-Informed Practice and relational approaches to behaviour and wellbeing.
• Can inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Has experience leading curriculum development, assessment and school improvement.
• Is a confident communicator who builds positive relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Demonstrates resilience, compassion and a commitment to creating an inclusive, nurturing school culture.
• Is ambitious, reflective and ready to contribute to the continued success and growth of Wessex Lodge Primary.

About Us

Wessex Lodge School currently comprises three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School (The Hive) located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities.

Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student.

The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.