Head of School - Specialist Education & Autism

Outcomes First Group; Guildford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to grow

Your Wellbeing Matters (mental health/

Job summary

Castle Garden School is seeking an inspirational and ambitious Head of School to lead the community, drive educational excellence and ensure every student— including those with additional and complex needs—thrives.

You will work with the Executive Headteacher and Outcomes First Group to guide school improvement, personalise the curriculum and support a team of education professionals across a brand-new independent setting for autistic students aged 5–11.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent teaching qualification.
• Three successive years of senior leadership experience within special education.
• Proven track record of raising student achievement and driving school improvement.
• Experience leading curriculum development, assessment and quality assurance across ages/abilities.
• Strong staff leadership, recruitment, performance management and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational strategic and operational leadership with a clear vision for continuous improvement across school life.
• Lead development and delivery of a broad, personalised curriculum to support student progress.
• Drive improvements in achievement, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing using data and self-evaluation.
• Lead and develop the Senior Leadership Team and staff with high expectations and professional development.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.
• Oversee improvement planning, quality assurance and monitoring to translate objectives into outcomes.
• Manage resources, budgets, admissions and operational priorities to sustain success.
• Build partnerships with families, authorities and external professionals to secure opportunities for students.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Curriculum development

Staff development

Communication skills

Safeguarding

Regulatory compliance

Education

QTS or equivalent teaching qualification

Postgraduate or specialist education qualification

Job description

Castle Garden School is seeking an inspirational and ambitious Head of School to lead the community, drive educational excellence and ensure every student— including those with additional and complex needs—thrives.

You will work with the Executive Headteacher and Outcomes First Group to guide school improvement, personalise the curriculum and support a team of education professionals across a brand-new independent setting for autistic students aged 5–11.