Executive Headteacher

Education Experts; Layer-de-la-Haye; On-site; GBP 74,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational recruitment agency is seeking an experienced SEND specialist Executive Headteacher for a new alternative provision school in Colchester, Essex. The role involves overseeing two sites, providing strategic leadership in SEND, and supporting pupils aged 7-17 with SEMH needs. This position offers a competitive salary of £74,624 plus bonus, and flexibility in the start date. Ideal candidates should have significant SEND experience and a UK teaching qualification.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working with pupils with SEND.
• Exceptional references required.
• All required documents for safer recruitment needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee two schools supporting up to 60 students.
• Provide strategic leadership in SEND and SEMH.
• Lead senior teams and contribute to operational setup.

Skills

SEND experience

Leadership in education

Therapeutic approaches

Education

UK teaching and/or leadership qualification

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced SEND specialist Executive Headteacher for a brand-new alternative provision school based in Colchester, Essex (CO2 0DE). The role is a permanent senior leadership post suitable for January 2026 or April 2026 start, with some flexibility for a later start for the right candidate. The school will oversee two sites within the same location, with space for up to 60 pupils. The site is due to open in April 2026.

There is a focus on leading with a therapeutic style to support pupils aged typically 7-17 with SEMH and related SEND needs. The role is suitable for an Executive Headteacher or an experienced Headteacher seeking a new challenge, with experience of SEND across primary or secondary phases.

Responsibilities

• Oversee two schools within the same site, supporting up to 60 students.
• Provide strategic leadership in SEND and SEMH across primary and/or secondary settings.
• Collaborate with the national trust partner to implement trauma-informed, therapeutic approaches and to develop self-belief and effective learning.
• Lead senior teams and contribute to the opening and operational setup of the new provision (opening April 2026) with necessary preparation from January 2026; negotiate a later start date if required.
• Represent the school within the trust and externally, ensuring safeguarding, compliance, and high standards of teaching and learning.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 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, including a valid right to work proof and a valid Enhanced DBS.
• Exceptional references.
• All applicants are subject to online searching checks as part of safer recruitment.

Start Date and Salary

Proposed start date: January 2026 or April 2026. Salary: Annual salary £74,624 plus OTE bonus of up to £18,000.

How to Apply

If you are a SEND specialist senior leader and are interested in registering for this role or upcoming vacancies, please get in touch. For initial enquiries or to submit a CV, please contact the Education Experts office.