Headteacher

Woodlands School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodlands School in Harrow seeks an experienced Headteacher to provide visible, values-led leadership and strategic direction for a specialist provision serving pupils with severe learning difficulties, autism and complex needs. You will work with families, therapists and external partners to secure outstanding outcomes.

As Headteacher you will shape the school’s development, empower staff, and collaborate closely with governors to deliver a ambitious vision while maintaining safeguarding and a

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a school or complex setting.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible and values-led leadership with clear accountability.
• Champion high standards and drive continuous improvement across school life.
• Develop and empower staff and cultivate future leaders.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, therapists, healthcare professionals and external agencies.
• Collaborate with governors to deliver the school's strategic vision.
• Champion inclusion and independence to achieve the best pupil outcomes.
• Lead development of the school's next phase within a specialist community.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff development

Partnership building

Communication excellence

Change management

Job description

Woodlands School is an outstanding maintained special school in Harrow, highly regarded for its specialist expertise, strong community partnerships and unwavering commitment to helping every child thrive. As our next Headteacher, you will inherit a financially secure school with outstanding purpose-built facilities, a skilled and dedicated staff team, supportive governors and a reputation that families and professionals trust.

You will join a school where communication, independence and inclusion shape every aspect of learning, and where teachers, therapists, support staff and families work together to secure the very best outcomes for pupils with severe learning difficulties, autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties, and a wide range of complex needs.

You will also have the opportunity to shape the next stage of the school's development, building on strong foundations within a thriving and growing specialist community.

As Headteacher, you will:

• Provide visible and values-led leadership, balancing empathy with clear accountability.
• Champion high standards and continuous improvement across all areas of school life.
• Develop and empower staff, recognising talent and nurturing future leaders.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, therapists, healthcare professionals and external agencies.
• Work closely with governors to shape and deliver the school's strategic vision.
• Champion communication, independence and inclusion to secure the very best outcomes for pupils.
• Build on the school's strong foundations while leading its next phase of development.

If you are an experienced senior leader with a commitment to specialist education and the confidence to lead with both compassion and conviction, we would love to hear from you.

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit the school and experience first‑hand the warm, welcoming culture, exceptional facilities and inspiring work of our pupils and staff.

For more information visit www.woodlands.harrow.sch.uk

Please note late applications will not be considered.

Should you need support, please contact [e-mail]

Woodlands School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as well as other pre‑appointment checks, including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2026).

We believe that a diverse team leads to better outcomes and a more enriching workplace. We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong.