Executive Headteacher

Education Experts; Essex; On-site; GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A national educational trust is seeking an Executive Headteacher for a new alternative provision school in Essex, scheduled to open in April 2026. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with pupils having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The position offers a competitive salary of £74,624 plus potential bonuses, beginning in January or April 2026. Interested candidates should contact the office to submit their CV.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working with pupils with SEND within an education setting.
• Exceptional references are required.
• Documents for safer recruitment must be provided.

Responsibilities

• Oversee two schools and support pupils with SEMH needs.
• Lead staff to create a therapeutic learning environment.
• Manage the opening of a new school with strategic planning.

Skills

Experience with SEND pupils

Leadership in education

Qualifications in teaching

Education

Relevant UK based teaching qualification

Job description

Overview

Are you an education expert? We are currently seeking to represent an experienced SEND specialist Executive Headteacher for a brand-new alternative provision school based in Colchester, Essex (CO2 0DE). If you are a SEND specialist senior leader who is seeking a new permanent role ready for either January 2026 or April 2026, we would be keen to speak with you.

Role details

If you are an experienced Executive Headteacher or an experienced Headteacher seeking a new challenge who has worked with pupils with SEND across either primary or secondary phases we would be keen to speak with you. This role would be to oversee two schools within the same site with space for up to 60 students. The site is due to open in April 2026, and the ideal candidate would be available from January 2026 to assist with the opening needs. A later start date can be negotiated for the right person.

About the school and trust

This new alternative provision school is part of a national trust and the group typically cater for pupils aged 7-17 with SEMH requirements. Their children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Some may also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. These sites are part of a national trust who are focussed on supporting children who have lived through trauma and adverse childhood experiences, and they work closely with them to develop self-belief to become effective learners. We focus on introducing senior leaders with a therapeutic style. If you are of a similar mindset and ethos, we would be very happy to discuss the role in more detail.

Start date and process

This role is a permanent senior leadership post beginning in either January or April 2026 however a different start date can be negotiated based on availability. An informal meeting via Teams will be offered as a starting point for you to gain a full understanding of the of the trust and how we support them. We can then support you with your permanent application and complete your safer recruitment checks ahead of potential appointments.

Candidate requirements

In order to be successfully shortlisted in your applications with us we will require the following:

• A relevant UK based teaching and/or leadership qualification.
• Substantial experience working with pupils with SEND within an education setting.
• All required documents for safer recruitment processing including, but not limited to a valid right to work proof and a valid Enhanced DBS.
• Exceptional references.
• All applicants are subject to online searching checks as part of our commitment to safer recruitment.
• Proposed start date: January 2026 or April 2026

Remuneration and dates

Salary: Annual salary £74,624 plus OTE bonus of up to £18,000

Date posted: 23.09.25

Application closing date: 21.10.25

How to apply

If you are a SEND specialist senior leader and are interested in registering for this role or upcoming vacancies, please do not hesitate to get in touch. For all initial enquiries or to submit a CV, please contact the Education Experts office.