Head Teacher

First Bridge Centre; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Very Competitive Salary

34 days annual leave

Company pension

Access to Perkbox

Job summary

A specialist education institution in London is seeking a Head Teacher to lead the school and early years provision for pupils with autism. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, QTS, and a robust SEND background. You will be responsible for driving school improvement and ensuring compliance with safeguarding regulations. A competitive salary and benefits, including 34 days annual leave, are offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher.
• Strong knowledge of SEN, EYFS, ISS and safeguarding requirements.
• Experience in specialist SEND, independent or therapeutic education settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of school and early years operations.
• Drive school improvement, pupil progress, and teaching quality.
• Inspire, develop and mentor staff.
• Collaborate with Clinical Director to align education, therapy and operational strategy.
• Inspire and mentor staff to build capacity and professional growth.
• Build partnerships with families, professionals, and local authorities.

Skills

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Data monitoring

Leadership mentoring

Data-driven decision making

ABA practice knowledge

NASENCo NPQSENCO qualification

Independent or therapeutic education

Ofsted readiness

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NASENCo or NPQSENCO qualification

Job description

Job Title: Head Teacher

Location: Imperial Wharf, Hammersmith and Fulham, London, UK

Salary: Very Competitive compensation package

Working Pattern: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

We’re hiring a Head Teacher to lead our specialist school and early years provision for pupils with autism and developmental delays. If you are a values-led school leader with a strong SEND background and operational rigour, ready to shape and scale an ambitious provision, this is a rare leadership opportunity.

About First Bridge Education

At First Bridge Education, we combine evidence-led education with behavioural science to deliver outstanding outcomes for pupils with complex needs. Our Centre and School are Ofsted-registered, delivering early years and primary education supported by clinical expertise and ABA-informed practice. We are building something purposeful: a setting where excellence, inclusion, innovation and accountability coexist.

We now need a Head Teacher who can lead our school, shape our curriculum, uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and governance, and elevate outcomes for pupils, families, and staff.

About the Role and What You’ll Do

• Lead all aspects of school and early years operations, including curriculum, quality of education, safeguarding, and compliance
• Act as Named Principal (Ofsted/DfE) for the school and Registered Manager for early years provision
• Drive school improvement, pupil progress, and teaching quality through high-expectations leadership
• Work closely with the Clinical Director and Senior Leadership Team to align education, therapy, and operational strategy
• Inspire, develop and mentor staff to build capacity, performance, and professional growth
• Build strong partnerships with families, professionals, local authorities, and external agencies

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & School Improvement
• Curriculum design, implementation and quality assurance
• Teaching & learning oversight, including lesson observations and coaching
• Progress tracking aligned to EHCPs and regulatory expectations
• Safeguarding and child protection leadership and compliance
• Staff development, performance reviews, and leadership mentoring (including ECT/QTS support)
• Governance, Ofsted readiness and adherence to Independent School Standards
• Parent, stakeholder and multidisciplinary engagement
• Operational oversight including health & safety, compliance, and budgeting

What you bring

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Proven experience as a Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher
• Strong knowledge of SEN, EYFS, ISS and safeguarding requirements
• Track record in school improvement, staff leadership, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Confidence using data to monitor standards, progress, and outcomes
• Willingness to learn and embed the principles of ABA practice
• NASENCo or NPQSENCO qualification
• Experience within specialist SEND, independent or therapeutic education settings
• Prior Ofsted inspection preparation or leadership involvement

What We Offer

• Very Competitive Salary
• 34 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays and your birthday)
• Company pension + sick pay
• Access to Perkbox

Safeguarding

First Bridge Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, raise standards with integrity, and shape the future of specialist education, we want to hear from you.

Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your leadership approach, SEND experience and vision for excellence in specialist education.