Head Teacher

Polaris Community; Banbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization based in Banbury is seeking a passionate Head Teacher to lead a school for students with special educational needs. The role requires strong leadership and safeguarding capabilities, alongside a commitment to enhancing the curriculum and supporting staff development. Ideal candidates will hold Qualified Teacher Status and possess experience working with SEN students. This position offers a competitive salary and additional benefits, including professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Professional Development opportunities

Enhanced pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Life Insurance x 2

Employee Discount Scheme

Medical Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with Primary/Secondary teaching experience.
• Experience working with SEN students and understanding their unique requirements.
• Proven leadership skills with ability to inspire and motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a vision aligned with Polaris Community ethos.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding lead and manage safeguarding concerns.
• Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet diverse student needs.
• Champion a nurturing pastoral approach focusing on emotional well-being.
• Support and mentor staff to promote professional growth.
• Build strong relationships with parents and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Safeguarding

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NPQH (not essential)

Job description

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 dependent on experience

Additional Benefits: Professional Development opportunities, Enhanced pension scheme, Free on-site parking, CPD through internal and external providers, Salary sacrifice schemes, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan

Opening Date: Projected opening date September 2026

Are you a compassionate and dedicated educational leader? Do you have a passion for supporting students with special educational needs (SEN)? We are seeking an exceptional Head Teacher to lead our nurturing and inclusive school community.

About the School

Located in Banbury, our School offers a capacity of up to 60 pupils and safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 18 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well-being and personal growth.

Our School will form part of the Polaris Community who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We’re incredibly proud that 100% of our Education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

About you

As the Head Teacher, you will be a forward-thinking leader, who will play a pivotal role in building a new team and shaping the educational experience for our students.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership: Develop and implement a vision that aligns with our ethos of the Polaris Community embracing compassion, inclusion, and personalized learning. Be able to lead the school to consistently meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework.

Safeguarding; Acting as the Designated Safeguarding lead and collaborating with safeguarding partners, manage and report all concerns appropriately and put in place policies and procedures to develop a robust safeguarding culture in the school.

Curriculum Enhancement: Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring a stimulating and engaging learning journey preparing pupils for next step.

Pastoral Care and SEN Advocacy: Champion a nurturing pastoral approach, emphasizing emotional well-being, mental health, and social development. Advocate for the rights and needs of our SEN students, aligned with EHCP objectives, within the wider educational community.

Staff Development: Support and mentor staff, promoting continuous professional growth and fostering a collaborative team spirit.

Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and external partners to create a cohesive support network, ensuring the growth and development of the school.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with Primary/Secondary teaching experience.
• Suitable First degree and /or NPQH (not essential)
• Experience working with SEN students and a deep understanding of their unique requirements.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply today.

Join us on this exciting journey to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this role further, please contact Zoe Chittenden 07920 212308