Head Teacher

senploy; Burnley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A nurturing educational institution in Burnley is seeking an exceptional Head Teacher to lead its inclusive community. The role involves developing a vision aligned with compassionate educational practices, managing safeguarding responsibilities, and adapting the curriculum to meet diverse needs. The ideal candidate should have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience with SEN students. Benefits include professional development opportunities and an enhanced pension scheme. Salary ranges from £50,000 to £60,000 depending on experience.

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

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a vision for the school.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding lead.
• Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet diverse student needs.
• Champion a nurturing pastoral approach for SEN students.
• Support and mentor staff, promoting professional growth.
• Build relationships with parents and external partners.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal abilities

Understanding of SEN requirements

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Suitable First degree / NPQH

Job description

Polaris Education - Burnley School

Head Teacher

Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only

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

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

Location: Burnley, Lancs

Opening Date: Late Summer term 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 Burnley, our School has a proposed capacity of up to 48 pupils and offers 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.

Burnley School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside our current growing portfolio of school across the UK, which are all rated by Ofsted Good or Outstanding. The Polaris Community have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years.

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. 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. Suitable candidates will then be asked to complete a formal application pack ahead of an interview.

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 more, please get in touch.