Head of Alternative Provision

Tradewind Recruitment; Towcester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a Head of Alternative Provision for a brand-new setting opening in Towcester, Northamptonshire, in October 2026. The role leads day-to-day operations, safeguarding, and curriculum development to support students who have struggled in mainstream education.

You will manage teaching and support staff, foster a positive, inclusive environment, and drive outcomes through strong leadership and collaboration with families and external partners.

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior leadership role within education or Alternative Provision.
• Understanding SEMH, behavioural needs or gaps in education.
• Proven experience leading and developing staff teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running and effectiveness of the new setting.
• Oversee teaching, safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and student outcomes.
• Manage and develop staff to deliver personalised education.
• Shape culture, systems and curriculum as the provision grows.

Skills

Senior Leadership

Staff Development

Safeguarding

Behaviour Management

SEND

Educational Standards

Job description

Head of Alternative Provision - New Setting

Location: Towcester, Northamptonshire
Start Date: October 2026
Contract: Temp-to-Perm

Are you an experienced Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Senior Leader or Alternative Provision professional looking for an exciting opportunity to lead a brand-new setting and make a genuine difference to young people who have struggled within mainstream education?

A new Alternative Provision setting in Towcester is opening in October 2026, and they are looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Alternative Provision to lead the new provision. The organisation already operates two established sites and is now expanding into Towcester.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious senior leader to join the organisation at an exciting stage of its development and play a key role in establishing and shaping the new setting.

The Role

As Head of Alternative Provision, you will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, development and effectiveness of the new setting.

You will lead and support a team of teaching and support staff, ensuring students receive a high-quality, personalised education that meets their individual needs. You will be responsible for creating a positive, structured and inclusive environment where young people feel supported, understood and able to succeed.

The role will involve overseeing teaching and learning, safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, staff development and student outcomes, while working closely with colleagues, families and external professionals.

You will also have the opportunity to help shape the culture, systems and curriculum of the new provision as it grows.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in a senior leadership role within education, Alternative Provision, SEN or a similar setting.
• A strong understanding of the needs of young people who may present with SEMH, behavioural needs, barriers to learning or significant gaps in education.
• Proven experience leading and developing staff teams.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, behaviour management, SEND and educational standards.
• An inspirational, resilient and approachable leadership style.
• The ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, parents/carers and external professionals.
• A commitment to providing high-quality, personalised education and improving outcomes for young people.

An Exciting Opportunity to Make Your Mark

As this is a brand-new setting, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to help establish the provision from the ground up.

The organisation is committed to developing and investing in its staff, with opportunities for professional development and career progression as the provision continues to expand.

This is a role where your leadership, vision and experience can have a genuine impact on the culture and success of the new setting.

Important Information

Applicants must have the right to work and remain in the UK. Unfortunately, this setting is unable to offer sponsorship.

The position is offered on a temp-to-perm basis, giving the successful candidate the opportunity to secure a permanent position following a successful temporary period.

If you're an experienced education leader who is passionate about Alternative Provision, improving outcomes and helping young people re-engage with education, we'd love to hear from you.