Head of School

Teaching Personnel; Leicester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A highly reputable group of schools is looking for a dynamic Head of School for a new setting in Leicester, opening September 2025. The role involves leading the school with a strong focus on Special Educational Needs and providing a nurturing educational experience. Ideal candidates will have significant leadership experience in similar settings and hold relevant qualifications. This is a unique opportunity to influence a brand-new school's development.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in SEN/SEMH settings.
• Proven track record in raising standards.
• Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the new school.
• Ensure high-quality education for SEN/SEMH learners.
• Develop an inclusive school culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Organisational Skills

Child-centred Approach

Education

NPQH

SENCo Award

QTS

Job description

Head of School
Leicester
September 2025 Start
Salary: Negotiable, Dependent on Experience

A highly reputable and expanding group of specialist schools is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and compassionate Head of School to lead the launch of its brand-new setting in Leicester, opening in September 2025.

This new school will cater to children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, offering a therapeutic, nurturing, and tailored educational experience that transforms lives. The school will be part of a group renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of every learner.

The Role

The Head of School will play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s culture, vision, and daily operations. Working closely with the Executive Team, the post holder will lead on curriculum development, staff recruitment, safeguarding, and the overall learning experience for pupils.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader who is ready to make a real difference and build a school from its foundations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction for the new school
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality education tailored to SEN/SEMH learners
• Develop and implement a therapeutic and inclusive school culture
• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team, promoting continuous improvement
• Uphold the highest standards in safeguarding, compliance, and pupil wellbeing
• Build strong partnerships with families, external professionals, and the wider community
• Collaborate with senior leaders across the school group to share best practice

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Significant leadership experience within a SEN or SEMH educational setting
• A clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities within alternative provision
• A proven track record of raising standards and driving whole-school improvement
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
• A child-centred and therapeutic approach to leadership
• Relevant teaching qualifications and leadership accreditations (e.g., NPQH, SENCo Award, QTS)
• Up-to-date knowledge of SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding, and current educational legislation

Why Join?

• Be part of a respected and forward-thinking education group
• Influence the development of a brand-new school from day one
• Work with a passionate, collaborative and supportive senior leadership team
• Access ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities

For immediate consideration, please apply directly with an up-to-date copy of your CV, highlighting your contact details, relevant employment history and qualifications.

Contact to find out more information.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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