Head of School

The Progress Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Death in Service Insurance

Maternity/Paternity leave

Wellbeing and counselling support

Discount gym memberships

Wellbeing app and resources

Family-friendly policies

Medicash coverage for dependants

Recognition awards

Referral bonus

MiRewards discounts

Weekly leadership drop-ins

Group conference and benefits review

Job summary

The Progress Schools, part of The Progress Group, seeks a Head of Schools to lead and shape high-quality education for students while prioritising their wellbeing and safety. You will drive excellence, support staff development, and work across a national network of OFSTED-regulated schools.

With a focus on SEN and alternative provision, you will balance leadership duties, curriculum oversight, and regulatory compliance, delivering strong pupil outcomes and positive school culture.

Qualifications

• Engagement with learners and proactive leadership in classroom and school.
• Support for pupils, including those needing additional support.
• Strong leadership experience in an educational setting with staff management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire staff to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
• Oversee core subjects (English, Maths, Science) and drive curriculum quality.
• Ensure safeguarding, equality, wellbeing and compliance with Independent School Standards.

Skills

Engagement

Emotional support

Communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

QTS or QTLS (or overseas equivalent)

NPQH desirable

Job description

Join us as a Head of Schools: Empower Futures!

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 that is jam 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 the amount of surplus admin too.

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. So 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 the costs of 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 loads of discounts and rewards
• Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT
• Group Connection: Annual Group conference and a 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. Able 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, the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools.

At Progress Schools - Wolverhampton we support approximately 15 pupils on roll to ensure that we can provide ample opportunities for children who need a nurturing, encouraging and supportive environment, specifically for those who will reintegrate back into a mainstream setting. The school consists of a core team of three teachers, and two support staff. Further support is also provided by regional and national staff, who work with a number of schools across our group

Let's redefine education together!

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are 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. All 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 by implementing robust safer recruitment practices. For details of our commitment to safer recruitment please visit our website for further information.

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