Head of Operations & Support Services - Alderman Knight School

Glos; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Alderman Knight School, a leading Special School in Tewkesbury, is seeking a Head of Operations & Support Services. This pivotal role involves overseeing operational functions, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure effective performance and a nurturing environment for pupils with diverse needs. With a focus on strategic development and compliance, applicants should possess strong leadership experience and a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operational functions in schools.
• Proven strategic development skills in educational settings.
• Strong commitment to inclusive education and community involvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all non-teaching operational functions at the school.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to implement school improvement strategies.
• Ensure operational compliance with school policies and Local Authority guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Strategic Development

Operational Management

Education

Relevant leadership experience in education

Qualification in management or educational administration

Job description

School: Alderman Knight School (Special)
Address: Alderman Knight school, Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire
Title: Head of Operations & Support Services - Alderman Knight School
Grade: Grade 11, points 41-43 (£50,788 - £52,805)
Allowances: (Not applicable)
Hours: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 23/06/2025
Interview Date: TBA
Start Date: A.S.A.P.

The Role

Alderman Knight School is a Gloucestershire Local Authority Maintained Special School, recognised for its strong, inclusive ethos and high-quality provision for pupils with moderate and additional learning needs.

The Head of School Operations and Support Services (HOS) is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), working alongside the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, and collaborating closely with the wider leadership group, including four Assistant Headteachers and two Senior Teaching Assistants.

This strategic role encompasses the leadership of all operational, non-teaching functions across the school. The post-holder will oversee support staff, premises, human resources, and administrative systems, ensuring they operate effectively and efficiently in line with the school’s values and priorities.

A key aspect of the role involves working with the Local Authority on the strategic development of the school site, helping to shape a safe, inclusive, and future-ready learning environment.

As the school’s most senior support staff professional, the HOS plays a pivotal role in enabling the Headteacher and leadership team to focus on educational excellence, by ensuring all business, HR, and operational functions are robust, compliant, and aligned with the school’s improvement priorities.

Why Alderman Knight?

Alderman Knight is a special school, with a unique approach. The school is based in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire—easily accessible from Junction 9 of the M5. But what truly sets us apart isn’t our location—it’s our people, our passion, and our purpose.

Whether you are working in a mainstream setting looking for a fresh challenge or you are already working in a special school and you are seeking a new direction, this is a place where you can thrive.

What Makes Us Different?

Our Purpose Built approach and Site

We have 242 pupils aged from 7 to 19 years, across KS2 to KS5, supported by 108 dedicated staff. In our purpose built environment, and supported by passionate and dedicated staff, they are able to achieve highly and every day they exceed their own and their families, expectations.

A Supportive & Nurturing Environment

Every pupil at our school has previously attended a mainstream setting but needed a more personalised approach. Our pupils are neurodiverse, with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. All share a love for learning. With the right environment and dedicated, talented staff, they thrive, exceed expectations, and achieve incredible success.

High Aspirations, Outstanding Outcomes

Pupils at Alderman Knight achieve exceptionally well, with many earning GCSEs and other qualifications that support their progression into further education, apprenticeships, internships, or employment.

A Team That Loves What They Do

The following quotes help sum up how staff feel about the setting:

- ‘There is an incredible team of staff who work together tirelessly, to ensure aspirations and outcomes for pupils are second to none.’

- ‘The staff truly look out for each other and are dedicated to providing the best support possible for our whole school community.’

- ‘There is a real sense of community and AKS has really helped to grow my career.’

Ofsted wrote in April 2024

‘Alderman Knight is an exceptional school. Adults place the needs of the child at the heart of all they do. Pupils flourish at this school and are proud to be part of it. Staff create an atmosphere that is warm, calm and productive.’

Join a Supportive and Ambitious Team Where You Can Thrive

At Alderman Knight School, we are committed to helping every member of our team thrive by building on their strengths and supporting their professional growth. We believe that by investing in our staff, we create a strong, dedicated team that delivers the best possible outcomes for our pupils within a positive, purpose-built working and learning environment.

It is now also a requirement for the school to carry out Social media checks on any person short listed for interview. Copies of our Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policies can be found on the Vacancies page of our website for you to read.

Please note Alderman Knight is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Please click on the website link to the right of this advert - click on School Information and then on Vacanciesto apply.