Head Teacher

Simply Education Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded CPD

Enhanced pay scales

Administrative support

HR, finance, payroll & recruitment

Educational Psychologists access

Wellbeing sessions

INSET days

Life assurance

Blue Light Card

Headteacher network

Job summary

Simply Education Ltd, on behalf of an established independent specialist school for 11-19-year-olds with Autism, is seeking an experienced Headteacher. You will provide strategic and operational leadership, safeguarding, school improvement and pupil wellbeing in a trauma-informed environment.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality teaching, personalised curriculum, EHCPs and transitions to adulthood, with extensive professional development and a supportive regional leadership network.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) required.
• Senior leadership experience in a special school, SEND setting or similarly complex educational environment.
• Strong knowledge of Autism, SEND and complex pupil needs.
• Excellent safeguarding and statutory responsibilities understanding within education.
• Knowledge of Ofsted Independent School Inspection Framework and Independent School Standards.
• Experience driving school improvement and improving pupil outcomes.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership and establish a clear vision for the school's development.
• Promote an inclusive, nurturing and aspirational culture for pupils and staff.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, education and pupil wellbeing.
• Lead a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach across the school.
• Drive teaching and learning using evidence-informed practice and monitor progress.
• Oversee curriculum development and delivery tailored to pupil needs, including EHCPs and personalised learning pathways.
• Develop and lead SEND, pastoral and support teams, with effective stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

SEND expertise

Safeguarding

Curriculum development

Stakeholder management

Team development

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Headteacher - Specialist SEND School

Salary: 55,000 - 75,000 per annum
Full Time 40 hours per week Permanent

Simply Education is recruiting an experienced and inspirational Headteacher to lead an established independent specialist school supporting young people aged 11-19 with Special Educational Needs, predominantly Autism.

This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity for an ambitious SEND education professional who is passionate about creating an environment where young people with additional and complex needs can feel safe, achieve academically and prepare successfully for adulthood.

The successful Headteacher will provide both strategic and operational leadership, taking responsibility for educational quality, safeguarding, school improvement, staff development and the overall wellbeing and outcomes of pupils.

About the School

The school provides specialist education for young people aged 11-19 with a range of additional needs, primarily associated with Autism.

Pupils benefit from a safe, supportive and low-sensory learning environment, alongside an ambitious curriculum incorporating GCSE qualifications, personalised learning and enrichment opportunities.

The school's approach combines high expectations with trauma-informed and therapeutic practice, recognising that every young person requires an individualised approach to learning, behaviour and personal development.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a specialist provision with a strong focus on helping young people achieve meaningful outcomes and successfully transition into further education, employment, training and adulthood.

The Role

As Headteacher, you will be the lead professional within the school and will set the tone, culture and strategic direction of the provision.

You will:

• Provide inspirational leadership and establish a clear vision for the continued development of the school.
• Promote an inclusive, nurturing and aspirational culture where pupils and staff can thrive.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, education and pupil wellbeing.
• Lead a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach across the school.
• Drive consistently high standards of teaching and learning using evidence-informed practice.
• Oversee the development and delivery of a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum tailored to individual pupil needs.
• Ensure pupils' EHCPs, IEPs and personalised learning pathways are effectively implemented, monitored and reviewed.
• Lead and develop teaching, SEND, pastoral and wider support teams.
• Establish high expectations around behaviour, relationships and professional conduct.
• Ensure effective pastoral systems support pupils' mental health, wellbeing and personal development.
• Develop positive partnerships with families, professionals, external agencies and other key stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for staffing, budgets, resources and facilities, ensuring these support the school's educational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards, safeguarding legislation and health and safety requirements.
• Work closely with governors and senior leaders, providing accurate reporting and strategic advice.
• Champion high-quality CPD, coaching and professional development across the school.

About You

We are looking for an experienced education leader who combines strong strategic leadership with a genuine passion for specialist education.

Essential requirements include:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven senior leadership experience within a special school, SEND provision or similarly complex educational setting.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Autism, SEND and complex pupil needs.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding and statutory responsibilities within education.
• Strong knowledge of the Ofsted Independent School Inspection Framework and Independent School Standards.
• Experience of driving school improvement and improving outcomes for pupils.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• A strong understanding of curriculum development and quality of education.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

NPQH or an equivalent leadership qualification is highly desirable.

What's on Offer?

This is a senior leadership opportunity with an extensive package of professional development, wellbeing and employee benefits, including:

• Salary of 55,000 - 75,000 per annum
• Fully funded CPD and professional development
• Enhanced pay scales recognising qualifications and experience
• Extensive support from experienced regional and senior management teams
• Dedicated administrative support
• Centralised HR, finance, payroll and recruitment support
• Access to an established network of specialist Headteachers for peer support and collaboration
• Regular Headteacher conferences and opportunities to share best practice
• Access to Educational Psychologists and specialist clinical teams
• Psychology and attachment-aware support and training
• Weekly Headteacher wellbeing drop-in sessions
• 10 enhanced INSET days
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Life assurance
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Employee referral scheme