Head of School

Dovetail and Slate; Stockport; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized education recruitment company is looking for a passionate Head of School in Stockport. This leadership position involves managing daily operations, ensuring educational excellence, and promoting inclusive values within the school. Candidates should possess strong leadership experience and relevant teaching qualifications. The role offers a salary of £40,000 to £50,000 along with generous benefits and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Wellbeing Support

Generous Holidays & Flexibility

Professional Development

Family-Friendly Policies

Health & Wellbeing Cashback

Referral Bonus

Qualifications

• Strong experience at SLT, Head of Department, or Headteacher level in alternative provision.
• Familiar with Independent School Standards and learners with SEN.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the school.
• Oversee staff, student outcomes, curriculum delivery, and pastoral care.
• Actively promote the school’s values and achievements.

Skills

Engagement Skills

Emotional Insight

Curriculum Strength

Leadership Experience

Sector Knowledge

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Teaching Qualifications: QTS or QTLS

Job description

Are you a passionate education leader who believes every young person deserves a chance to thrive?

We are working on behalf of a small independent school, looking for a new Head of School to make a real difference in the lives of pupils who need a nurturing, supportive, and inspiring environment to succeed.

This is your opportunity to lead a dedicated team, shape an inclusive school culture, and drive meaningful change - all while enjoying a workplace that truly values your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance.

Title : Head of School

Salary : £40,000 to £50,000 plus benefits

Hours : 08 : 30am‑ 5 : 00pm

Location : Stockport

Responsibilities

Lead the day‑to‑day operational management of the school, ensuring it remains inspection‑ready and meets all statutory requirements.

Oversee staff, student outcomes, curriculum delivery, and pastoral care.

Ensure adherence to school policies and contribute to a positive learning environment.

Deliver a broad, engaging, and high‑quality curriculum.

Actively promote the school’s values and achievements within the wider community.

Develop and sustain a strong extra‑curricular offer.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll be someone who brings passion, leadership, and strategic insight to your role :

Engagement Skills : A talent for inspiring learners and fostering ambition.

Emotional Insight : Deep empathy and commitment to supporting young people

Academic Background : A degree in a relevant subject.

Teaching Qualifications : QTS or QTLS (or equivalent); NPQH is desirable.

Leadership Experience : Strong experience at SLT, Head of Department, or Headteacher level-ideally in alternative provision.

Curriculum Strength : Strong understanding of English, Maths, and Science

Sector Knowledge : Familiar with Independent School Standards, alternative provision, and learners with SEN.

Benefits

Wellbeing Support : Access to fitness, yoga, mindfulness content and counselling services.

Admin Light

Generous Holidays & Flexibility

Professional Development : Approximately £3.5k invested per colleague last year.

Financial Security : Death in Service Insurance

Family‑Friendly Policies : Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave.

Health & Wellbeing Cashback

Recognition Awards, discounts & Rewards

Referral Bonus : £500 per person

Senior Leadership Access

Important Notice

Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn’t quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Dovetail and Slate Ltd ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.

We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency