Head of School, Foundation Learning (SEND) – London

Dovetail & Slate Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Dovetail & Slate Ltd in London is seeking a Head of School – Foundation Learning to provide strategic and operational leadership across specialist provision for learners with mild to complex needs. You will lead curriculum and support teams, drive high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, and work to improve outcomes across Foundation Learning.

Start date August 2026, permanent role. The role requires proven SEND/High Needs FE leadership, team management experience, and a Level 5+ teaching

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within SEND/High Needs FE provision.
• Experience managing and developing teams.
• Strong knowledge of SEND curriculum and quality frameworks.
• Experience with quality improvement, self-assessment and curriculum development.
• A Level 5+ recognised teaching qualification.
• Strong communication, strategic and partnership-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing curriculum and support teams.
• Driving high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.
• Leading SEND/High Needs curriculum development and quality improvement.
• Improving learner achievement, retention, attendance and progression.
• Leading on self-assessment, performance data and improvement planning.
• Developing partnerships with Local Authorities, schools and external agencies.
• Managing staff, resources and budgets effectively.

Skills

SEND Leadership

Team development

Curriculum knowledge

Quality frameworks

Quality improvement

Strategic communication

Partnership building

Education

Level 5+ teaching qualification

Job description

Dovetail & Slate Ltd in London is seeking a Head of School – Foundation Learning to provide strategic and operational leadership across specialist provision for learners with mild to complex needs. You will lead curriculum and support teams, drive high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, and work to improve outcomes across Foundation Learning.

Start date August 2026, permanent role. The role requires proven SEND/High Needs FE leadership, team management experience, and a Level 5+ teaching