Headteacher

Peak School; High Peak; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teacher pension (LGPS)

Generous holiday entitlement

Westfield Health membership

CPD access

Financial wellbeing support

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Job summary

Peak School is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead a diverse special school community and build on recent Ofsted progress. You will embody our values, drive an ambitious curriculum and ensure exceptional provision for pupils with PMLD, SLD and other needs.

You will work within the Esteem Multi-Academy Trust, collaborate with a dedicated leadership team, and inspire staff to deliver high-quality education, care and opportunities for every pupil.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a school setting.
• Deep understanding of SEND and inclusive practice.
• Ability to inspire and develop staff.
• Strategic vision for school improvement.
• Commitment to collaboration and high aspirations for pupils.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to improve teaching, outcomes and wellbeing.
• Lead school improvement plans in partnership with the Esteem Multi-Academy Trust.
• Foster an inclusive culture where staff, pupils and families feel valued.
• Ensure safeguarding, governance, and financial stewardship meet required standards.

Skills

Leadership

SEND & inclusion

Staff development

Strategic thinking

Collaborative working

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Job Title: Headteacher

Location: Peak School, Buxton Road, Chinley, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK23 6ES

Grade/Scale: Leadership Pay Scale

Contract: Full time, permanent

Join Our Peak School Family

At Peak School, we believe every child deserves the very best opportunities to thrive, achieve and be happy. Our motto, "Unique People, Individualised Approaches," sits at the heart of everything we do and reflects our commitment to understanding every pupil as an individual.

Alongside this, our whole-school values of being kind, being a team, listening to each other and trying our best shape our daily interactions and create a culture where pupils, staff and families feel welcomed, respected and valued.

We are a warm, welcoming and ambitious special school with 91 incredible pupils and a dedicated staff team who are passionate about making a difference every day. Our pupil population is exceptionally diverse, encompassing a broad range of needs including PMLD, SLD, Autism, SEMH and complex communication, sensory and medical needs. This richness of need challenges us to think creatively and work collaboratively. We believe every pupil can succeed when they are understood, valued and given the right support to thrive.

As our current Headteacher moves into a new role within the Trust's School Improvement Team, we are seeking an exceptional leader to join our school community and build on the significant progress and exciting journey underway at our school.

Why join Peak School?

This is a particularly special time to join Peak School. In July 2025, Ofsted judged us to be Good in all areas, recognising the dedication, care and commitment shown by our pupils, staff, families and governors. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

We are not looking to change who we are. We are looking for the right person to lead us, as we continue to build on our strong foundations, continue to improve our provision, ensuring that every pupil receives the highest quality education, care and opportunities possible.

Our pupils deserve an ambitious curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and a school experience that helps them develop confidence, independence and lifelong memories. We are looking for a Headteacher who shares our vision.

Who We are Looking For

We welcome applications from leaders with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from mainstream and special schools or enhanced resource provisions within either the primary or secondary sectors.

The successful candidate will have:

• A proven track record of successful leadership
• A strong understanding of SEND and inclusive practice
• The ability to inspire and develop staff
• High aspirations for children and young people with additional needs
• A commitment to collaborative working and continuous improvement

Support and Development

You will be joining a supportive and established leadership team and will benefit from the extensive support available through Esteem Multi-Academy Trust.

All schools within the Esteem network are supported by a diverse and experienced central team, alongside a group of like-minded school leaders and specialists who work collaboratively to improve outcomes for pupils. We firmly believe that we are stronger together and that sharing expertise benefits everyone.

Benefits Include:

• Teacher's Pension Scheme / LGPS Pension Scheme (16.6% employer contributions)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Access to Westfield Health membership scheme including cashback schemes for health and retail benefits, discounted gym memberships, and free confidential advice.
• Access to National College CPD platform.
• Access to My Money Matters Financial Wellbeing Platform
• Enhanced Maternity Pay

You will meet a team who genuinely care for one another, celebrate success together and are united by a shared determination to provide the very best for our pupils.

We reserve the right to interview suitable candidates upon application and may close the application process prior to this date

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status.