Head of School (SEN)

Randstad Education; Meldreth; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior executive salary

Permanent role

Expansive facilities

Professional network

Benefits package

Job summary

Randstad Education seeks a visionary Head of School (SEN) near Meldreth to lead a specialist provision for ages 6–19 with complex needs. The role carries executive accountability on a permanent, full-time basis, with a competitive L16-L20 scale (£77,676 - £85,547) and an emphasis on holistic development.

You will drive strategic direction, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster collaboration across education, residential care, therapy, and support services to unlock each pupil’s potential.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with SEN/leadership qualifications (e.g., NPQH).
• Proven Senior Leader experience in specialist SEN settings (ASD, PMLD, complex health/physical needs).
• Strong understanding of Ofsted framework and safeguarding (KCSIE).
• Therapeutic insight in positive behaviour support and alternative communication tools.

Responsibilities

• Strategic direction and SDP/SEF oversight as live tools for growth.
• Collaborate across education, residential care, therapeutic services and support teams.
• Oversee regulatory standards, safeguarding and high-quality delivery under Ofsted standards.
• Lead and develop staff through reviews, mentorship, and professional development.
• Manage school operations, site safety, risk assessments and facilities.
• Engage with parents, regulators, local authorities and quality partners.
• Champion pupil wellbeing, dignity and personal care where required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team empowerment

Regulatory awareness

Education

QTS

NPQH (or commitment)

Job description

Head of School (SEN) - Meldreth & Surrounding Areas

Are you an visionary, empathetic, and highly accomplished SEN senior leader seeking to guide an exceptional specialist learning environment? We are seeking a dedicated Head of School to take overall operational responsibility for driving educational excellence, holistic care, and continuous development across a well-regarded specialist provision located near Meldreth.

This is a full-time, permanent executive leadership position (Leadership Scale L16-L20 / £77,676 - £85,547 depending on experience). Working directly alongside the Principal, you will champion a multi-disciplinary approach to unlock every young person's unique potential. The setting supports young learners aged 6-19 with complex learning needs, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), medical requirements, physical disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).

Key Leadership Responsibilities:

• Strategic Direction: Lead, refine, and execute an inspiring long-term strategy for the school, maintaining the School Development Plan (SDP) and Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) as continuous live tools for ongoing growth.

• Interdisciplinary Integration: Work in close harmony across education, residential care, therapeutic services, and support teams to cultivate innovative, holistic approaches to pupil progression.

• Quality & Compliance: Oversee regulatory standards to maintain high-quality delivery across Independent Special School standards, Ofsted framework mandates, and safeguarding legislation.

• Team Empowerment: Nurture a positive, united, and highly trained staff team, conducting performance reviews, offering constructive mentorship, and driving continuous professional development.

• Resource & Environment Management: Oversee school operations, site safety, risk assessments, and health and safety requirements, ensuring modern sensory and learning facilities remain safe, engaging, and enriching for all.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain open, effective communication with parents, regulators, local authorities, and quality compliance partners.

• Pupil Wellbeing & Dignity: Lead with a hands‑on approach to ensure pupils are kept safe, treated with dignity, and supported with personal care and communication needs where required.

What We Are Looking For:

• Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) alongside additional professional qualifications in SEN or leadership (e.g., NPQH or a commitment to working towards one).

• Leadership Experience: Proven track record as a Senior Leader, Deputy Head, or Headteacher within a specialist SEN setting (specifically supporting ASD, PMLD, complex health, or physical needs).

• Regulatory Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the Ofsted framework for independent special schools, safeguarding best practice (KCSIE), and health and safety risk oversight.

• Therapeutic Insight: Solid grounding in positive behaviour support, de‑escalation strategies, alternative communication tools (e.g., PECS/Makaton), and managing complex medical needs.

• Leadership Style: A warm, reflective, and decisive leadership approach with exceptional communication skills and a passion for creating a happy, harmonious educational community.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Senior Executive Salary: L16-L20 (£77,676 - £85,547 per annum, reflective of experience).

• Permanent Security: Full-time, permanent status providing career longevity within a premier specialist provider network.

• Exceptional Environment: Access to expansive grounds and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including hydrotherapy suites, sensory rooms, and specialised adaptive equipment.

• Professional Network: Collaborative partnership with regional executive directors, Quality and Compliance advisors, and interdisciplinary clinical partners.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous pension scheme, continuous leadership development funding, and wellbeing support packages.

Ready to lead a transformational SEN community near Meldreth?

Embark on a deeply rewarding leadership journey and inspire excellence every day.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will undergo stringent background checks, thorough referencing, and an Enhanced DBS disclosure.