Head Teacher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Enhanced pension scheme

Free on-site parking

CPD through internal and external prov

Life Insurance x2

Employee Discount Scheme & MedicalCash

Job summary

Polaris Education - The Wirral School is seeking an exceptional Head Teacher to lead a new SEN-focused school in Wirral. You will guide educational strategy, safeguarding, and holistic pupil development for up to 42 pupils aged 5–18 with complex needs.

The role requires QTS, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to inclusion. This full-time, term-time role offers professional development and a supportive leadership team within the Polaris Community.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with primary or secondary teaching experience.
• First degree and/or NPQH preferred, though NPQH is not essential.
• Experience working with SEN students and understanding their needs.
• Proven leadership skills, including ability to inspire and motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Educational leadership: develop and implement a vision aligned with the Polaris ethos, ensuring compliance with standards.
• Safeguarding: act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and implement robust safeguarding policies.
• Curriculum enhancement: tailor curriculum to diverse needs and promote engaging learning journeys.
• Pastoral care and SEN advocacy: foster emotional wellbeing and support EHCP outcomes.
• Staff development: mentor staff and promote professional growth.
• Community engagement: build strong relationships with parents, carers and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

SEN understanding

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

QTS (primary or secondary)

First degree or NPQH (NPQH not essential)

SEN experience

Job description

Polaris Education - The Wirral School
Head Teacher
Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only
Salary: 50,000 - 60,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Location: Wirral
Projected Opening Date: April 2027

Additional Benefits

• Professional development opportunities
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• CPD through internal and external providers
• Life Insurance x2
• Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan

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 the Wirral, our school will have capacity for up to 42 pupils and will offer safe and supportive environments for pupils aged 5 to 18 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 wellbeing and personal growth.

Our school will form part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our 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 the ethos of the Polaris Community, embracing compassion, inclusion and personalised learning. Lead the school to consistently meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework
• Safeguarding: Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and collaborate with safeguarding partners. Manage and report all concerns appropriately and put policies and procedures in place to develop a robust safeguarding culture within the school
• Curriculum Enhancement: Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring a stimulating and engaging learning journey that prepares pupils for their next steps
• Pastoral Care and SEN Advocacy: Champion a nurturing pastoral approach, emphasising emotional wellbeing, mental health and social development. Advocate for the rights and needs of our SEN students, aligned with their individual EHCP outcomes, 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 or secondary teaching experience
• A suitable first degree and/or National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), although NPQH is 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 skills

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, Recruitment Manager, on (phone number removed).