Executive Headteacher. Job in Hawkinge Education & Training Jobs

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

Job summary

A reputable educational trust in the UK is seeking an experienced Executive Headteacher to oversee an alternative provision catering to children with SEND. The role, focused on therapeutic leadership, is permanent and begins in January 2026, with the possibility of an earlier start. Candidates should have substantial experience with SEND and relevant qualifications. The annual salary is £74,624, plus an OTE bonus of up to £18,000.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working with pupils with SEND.
• Documents for safer recruitment processing required.
• Exceptional references for the candidate.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs.
• Lead a team focused on therapeutic education.
• Conduct informal meetings to explain the trust's approach.

Skills

Experience with SEND

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Relevant UK teaching and/or leadership qualification

Job description

Are you an education expert? We are currently seeking to represent an experienced SEND specialist Executive Headteacher for a well-established alternative provision in Folkestone, Kent (CT19 5HD). If you are a SEND specialist senior leader who is seeking a new permanent role ready for January 2026 or sooner, we would be keen to speak with you.

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. Typically, the two sites within the group cater for pupils aged 7-17 with SEMH requirements. They currently have spaces available for up to 60 students, with current figures of 39 on role. 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.

This role is a permanent senior leadership post beginning in January 2026 however an earlier start date can be negotiated for a handover period. 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.

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 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 sooner

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

Date posted: 14.10.25

Application closing date: 27.10.25

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.