Executive Headteacher

senploy; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in Birmingham seeks an Executive Headteacher to lead multiple schools with a focus on improving educational outcomes for students with complex needs. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, manage staff, and ensure compliance with SEND regulations. This role offers an opportunity to drive meaningful change in a supportive environment, making a significant impact on student experiences. Salary ranges from £65,000 to £70,000 plus benefits, including a car allowance.

Benefits

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in education leadership roles.
• Proven ability to lead new school openings.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for schools focusing on educational standards.
• Line-manage Headteachers and support their professional development.
• Ensure compliance with SEND and safeguarding regulations.

Skills

Leadership in education

SEND experience

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Interpersonal communication

Strategic safeguarding

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)

Job description

Polaris Education – Executive Headteacher

Basic Salary: £65,000 – £70,000 + £3,000 car allowance

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Hours: 37.5 per week

Contract type: Full‑Time/Permanent

Location: To support schools in the West Midlands/Eastern and South East area

Reports To: Managing Director of Education

Overview

Polaris Education Group is seeking an Executive Headteacher to lead and oversee up to six schools, including the opening of at least one new school. This is an exciting and influential role for a visionary leader with a strong background in school improvement, SEND, and commercial acumen. The successful candidate will report to the Managing Director and will work collaboratively with the leadership team to support and embed the “Care Connect Consolidate” strategy across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and School Improvement – Provide visionary leadership for up to six schools in the Polaris North region, focusing on maintaining high educational standards and fostering a positive school culture; spearhead the opening of new schools, managing regulatory compliance, staffing and operational readiness; drive school improvement initiatives, particularly for students with complex SEND needs; oversee the implementation of the Care Connect Consolidate strategy; collaborate with the central team to ensure schools are suitably resourced; lead strategic projects and collaborate with senior leaders across Polaris.
• Line Management and Staff Development – Line‑manage Headteachers, providing mentorship, supervision, guidance and performance management; support professional development and leadership growth within each school's senior leadership team; deliver training programs for school leaders on building relationships with external stakeholders; provide guidance on HR issues, including grievance and disciplinary procedures; facilitate training on interviewing, candidate selection and best practices in HR management.
• Business Model & Commercial Acumen – Lead with a strong commercial understanding of the business model, ensuring schools are financially sustainable; strategically manage consultations and referrals from local authorities, overseeing admissions, assessments, and funding negotiations, including pupil premium grants; engage with schools and external stakeholders to manage at‑risk placements and personalised educational plans; oversee budget management, procurement and EBITDA to achieve financial targets; take responsibility for revenue generation and utilisation.
• SEND Expertise and Stakeholder Engagement – Ensure schools are compliant with the SEND Code of Practice and the provision for children with complex needs such as Autism, ADHD, FASD and trauma‑related conditions; champion therapeutic and trauma‑informed practices; ensure all schools meet the requirements of children’s EHCPs and offer inclusive educational experiences; build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community organisations and industry partners.
• Strategic Safeguarding Responsibility – Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the region; develop and implement a safeguarding framework across all schools; ensure safeguarding policies are robust, up‑to‑date and compliant; oversee safeguarding training for staff; monitor and review safeguarding practices and address concerns promptly.
• Regulatory & Compliance – Ensure all schools meet ISSR, Ofsted and safeguarding regulations; lead inspections and external reviews; oversee risk management and quality assurance processes.
• Financial Management & Commercial Acumen – Oversee budget management, EBITDA and financial sustainability; manage revenue generation and utilisation including pupil premium and other funding streams.
• Care, Compassion & Growth Mindset – Foster a caring, compassionate and empathetic school culture, focus on wellbeing; demonstrate a growth mindset and inspire continual improvement; build strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.

Person Specification

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with significant experience in education leadership roles such as Regional Director, Education Lead or Principal – essential.
• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or NPQEL or higher degree in Education leadership – essential.
• Multi‑site leadership experience, proven ability to lead new school openings and manage large‑scale projects – desirable.
• Proven experience in leading SEND provision for children with complex needs, including Autism, ADHD, FASD and trauma‑related conditions – essential.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, ISSR, and Ofsted regulatory requirements – essential.
• Demonstrated school improvement experience with a track record of raising educational standards – essential.
• Therapeutic and trauma‑informed approach to education and behaviour management – essential.
• In‑depth knowledge of strategic safeguarding practices and experience in leading safeguarding initiatives – essential.
• Excellent commercial acumen and experience in managing financial sustainability in schools – essential.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, engagement with a wide range of stakeholders – essential.
• Compassionate and empathetic, passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable students.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a growing portfolio of schools within a supportive and innovative multi‑academy trust.
• A platform to drive meaningful change in SEND education, with autonomy to shape the future of the schools you lead.
• A collaborative leadership environment, offering opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A chance to make a significant impact on the educational experiences of students with complex needs.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter.

Join Polaris Education Group and lead a region of schools dedicated to providing exceptional, inclusive education for children with complex needs!