Head of School

JR United Kingdom; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization seeks a dedicated professional to inspire learners and provide emotional support. The successful candidate will lead a team within an alternative provision, ensuring high-quality educational outcomes. This role offers significant professional development opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance amidst a supportive school environment.

Benefits

Discounted gym memberships

Free wellbeing app access

Generous holidays and additional leave

Financial Security Insurance

Monthly and annual Recognition Awards

Health and Wellbeing Cashback

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in an educational setting, ideally within alternative provision.
• Strong understanding of core subjects (English, Maths, Science) and a track record of improving outcomes.
• In-depth understanding of school compliance and working with learners with SEN.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and engage learners, supporting them in achieving their ambitions.
• Manage staff teams and improve teaching and learning outcomes.
• Promote safeguarding, equality, and diversity within the school.

Skills

Engagement Skills

Emotional Support

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Degree in a relevant subject area

QTS or QTLS (or an overseas equivalent)

Job description

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Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it's a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional?

Well at Progress Schools, that's just the approach we take.

Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics—enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app packed with fitness, yoga, and mindfulness resources, and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce surplus admin.

Your work-life balance matters. That's why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers, and flexibility wherever possible.

And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. We want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools.

But that's not all, we also offer:

• Professional Development: Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year, we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague!
• Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
• Health and Wellbeing Cashback: Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually.
• Recognition Awards: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards.
• Referral Bonus: £500 for referring top talent.
• Exclusive Discounts: MiRewards benefits platform, offering discounts and rewards.
• Weekly Drop-ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify, and communicate with weekly sessions with our Managing Director and SLT.
• Group Connection: Annual group conference and comprehensive benefits review.

Who are we looking for from you?

• Engagement Skills: Demonstrated ability to inspire and engage learners, supporting them in achieving their ambitions. Ability to bring fresh ideas, creativity, and proactive leadership to both the classroom and wider school environment.
• Emotional Support: Passionate about making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of young people, particularly those requiring additional support.
• Academic Background: Degree in a relevant subject area is essential.
• Core Teaching Qualifications: QTS or QTLS (or an overseas equivalent) is required. NPQH or working towards it is desirable.
• Experience: Proven leadership experience in an educational setting (Head of Department, SLT, or Headteacher level), ideally within an alternative provision or similar setting. Experience managing staff teams and small school cohorts is essential.
• Teaching Subjects: Strong understanding and oversight of core subject delivery (English, Maths, Science), with a track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the alternative provision landscape, school compliance requirements, and Independent School Standards. Familiarity with working with learners with SEN and additional needs is key.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive in addressing challenges and implementing effective solutions to enhance pupil outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills with staff, learners, and external stakeholders.
• Promotion of Values: A clear commitment to upholding and promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, wellbeing, and British values within the school community.
• Time Management: Excellent time management skills, with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities, staff development, curriculum oversight, and regulatory compliance.

About the School:

Progress Schools is part of The Progress Group, which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools.

At Progress Schools New Ferry, we support approximately 25 pupils to provide a nurturing, encouraging, and supportive environment. The school has a core team of the Head of Provision, three teachers, and two support staff, with additional support from regional and national staff working across our group.

How to Apply: Ready to be part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer, committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. Employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs.

Safeguarding Statement: We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people through robust safer recruitment practices. For more details, please visit our website.

Note: We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.