Executive Head Teacher

Randstad Staffing; Huntingdon; On-site; GBP 79,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational recruitment agency is looking for an Executive Head Teacher in Huntingdon to lead a specialist academy focused on pupils with severe learning difficulties. The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership, enhance educational quality, and foster a cohesive team environment. They will also manage operational aspects and ensure collaboration with stakeholders. This permanent, full-time role offers a salary range of £79,747 to £87,651 per annum, with opportunities for impactful change in the lives of students.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior leadership within a specialist educational setting.
• Track record of driving rapid school improvement.
• Ability to lead and motivate a cohesive team.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to improve academy standards.
• Establish vision and strategic plans for the academy.
• Enhance quality of education and manage key operations.

Skills

Senior leadership in educational setting

Driving school improvement

Leading and motivating staff

Understanding of Severe Learning Difficulties

Resilience and determination

Job description

Executive Head Teacher

£79,747.00 - £87,651.00 per annum

Huntingdon

Are you an exceptional, resilient, and visionary leader ready to take the helm of a large, specialised academy and drive a clear trajectory of rapid and sustained improvement?

Do you possess the expertise and determination to build upon a strong foundation, leading a dedicated staff team to restore a school's standing to Outstanding?

We are seeking a proactive and committed Head Teacher to join a supportive Multi‑Academy Trust and shape the future of a crucial educational provision for pupils with severe learning difficulties. This is a rare and highly rewarding opportunity to make a tangible, long‑term difference in the lives of over 200 pupils and their families.

The Opportunity

A significant and exciting opening exists for an ambitious Head Teacher to lead a dedicated area special school in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The academy provides highly specialised education for over 200 pupils, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) encompassing severe learning difficulties, high‑level autism, and, for some, profound and complex medical needs.

Following a recent inspection, the school is poised for transformation. The successful candidate will work in close partnership with the Trust's Director of Education and a committed central support team to embed a culture of excellence and swiftly address all areas requiring improvement in Leadership & Management, Quality of Education, Early Years, and Sixth Form.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational and strategic leadership to drive rapid and sustained improvements across all areas of the academy.
• Establish a clear vision and strategic plan aimed at restoring the academy's Outstanding status, working closely with the Trust's Director of Education.
• Enhance the quality of education across all key stages, ensuring an ambitious, tailored curriculum meets the complex and diverse needs of all pupils, including those with profound needs and in the Sixth Form.
• Develop and lead an exceptional Senior Leadership Team, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, and continuous professional development.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with pupils, staff, parents/carers, the governing body, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee robust and effective financial and operational management in line with Trust policies.

Essential Profile

• Significant, proven experience in successful senior leadership within a specialist educational setting (Special Educational Needs/SEND).
• A track record of driving rapid school improvement with measurable outcomes, ideally following an external inspection.
• Exceptional ability to lead and motivate staff, building a cohesive and resilient team focused on a shared vision.
• A profound understanding of the needs of pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and Profound and Complex Needs.
• High levels of resilience, determination, and energy, ready to commit to a demanding yet deeply rewarding challenge.
• The ability to align fully with the strategic vision and core values of the Trust.

Key Details & Benefits

• Salary: £79,747.00 - £87,651.00 Annually (Actual)
• Contract: Permanent, Full‑Time
• Start Date: As soon as contractually available
• Closing Date for Applications: 9:00am, 8th January 2026
• Interview Date(s): W/C 12th January, 2026

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and contact details through the official application portal by 9:00am on 8th January 2026. If you have any questions, you may contact our recruitment team for further information.