Headteacher

Education Experts; Middlewich; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational organization is seeking an experienced SEND specialist Headteacher for an alternative provision in Middlewich, Cheshire, with a proposed start date of January or February 2026. The role involves leading a SEND-focused provision, promoting a therapeutic leadership model, and ensuring high-quality teaching for pupils aged 7-17. Applicants should have relevant qualifications and substantial experience in educational settings. An annual salary of £64,890 plus bonuses is offered.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working with pupils with SEND.
• All required documents for safer recruitment, including valid right to work proof and Enhanced DBS.
• Exceptional references.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day leadership of SEND provision.
• Promote a therapeutic model of leadership for SEMH pupils.
• Ensure high-quality teaching and safeguarding for pupils aged 7-17.
• Collaborate with external agencies for effective learning pathways.

Skills

Experience working with SEND

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

Relevant UK-based teaching and/or leadership qualification

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced SEND specialist Headteacher for a well-established alternative provision in Middlewich, Cheshire (CW10 0JS). If you are a SEND specialist senior leader seeking a permanent role ready for January to February 2026, we would be keen to speak with you. This site within the group caters for pupils aged 7-17 with SEMH needs. Children come from a wide range of backgrounds, all with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH); some may also have other SEND such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. The site is part of a national trust focused on supporting children who have lived through trauma and adverse childhood experiences, and works to develop self-belief to become effective learners. We seek senior leaders with a therapeutic style and ethos to discuss the role in more detail.

This role is a permanent senior leadership post formally beginning in February 2026; an earlier start date can be negotiated for a handover period. An informal Teams meeting can be arranged as a starting point to gain a full understanding of the trust and how we support them. We can then assist with permanent applications and complete safer recruitment checks ahead of potential appointments.

In order to be shortlisted, we require the following information and documents.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the strategic direction and day-to-day leadership of a SEND-focused provision within an alternative provision setting.
• Promote a therapeutic model of leadership aligned with trauma-informed practice to support pupils with SEMH and other SEND needs.
• Work with staff to ensure high-quality teaching, safeguarding, and wellbeing support for pupils aged 7-17.
• Collaborate with external agencies and the national trust to support students and families and to develop effective learning pathways.

Requirements / Qualifications

• A relevant UK-based teaching and/or leadership qualification.
• Substantial experience working with pupils with SEND within an educational setting.
• All required documents for safer recruitment processing, including a valid right to work proof and a valid Enhanced DBS.
• Exceptional references.
• All applicants are subject to online searching checks as part of safer recruitment.

Proposed start date and salary

Proposed start date: January or February 2026

Salary: Annual salary £64,890 plus OTE bonus of up to £18,000

Application information

Applications details and submission information are not provided here. If you are a SEND specialist senior leader and are interested in registering for this role or upcoming vacancies, please contact the Education Experts office for initial enquiries or to submit a CV.