Headteacher

Polaris, company; Ruddington; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

Polaris Community is seeking an experienced Headteacher for Easthorpe School, an independent specialist provision in the East Midlands. The role focuses on shaping educational strategy, safeguarding leadership, curriculum development and effective governance while ensuring inclusive, high-quality learning for pupils aged 7–18 with SEMH and related needs.

The successful candidate will lead a 50+ staff team, collaborate with local authorities, and drive arrangements to meet Independent School

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with Primary/Secondary teaching experience.
• NPQH not essential but desirable.
• Experience working with SEN students and understanding their needs.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Educational Leadership: develop and implement the school vision aligned with Polaris Community ethos.
• Safeguarding: act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and collaborate with safeguarding partners.
• Curriculum Enhancement: tailor and enrich the curriculum to diverse student needs.
• Exam Lead: oversee KS4 offer and GCSEs/Functional Skills/ASDAN per JCQ requirements.
• Pastoral Care and SEN Advocacy: support emotional wellbeing and EHCP-aligned needs.
• Staff Development: mentor a 50+ strong team and promote professional growth.
• Community Engagement: build relationships with parents, carers and local authorities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Motivational abilities

Education

QTS with Primary/Secondary teaching experience

NPQH (not essential)

Job description

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Location: Ruddington, Nottinghamshire

About the School

Easthorpe School is an independent specialist provision, serving children and young people in the East Midlands who live with their families, foster carers or in residential children's homes.

The school first opened its doors to pupils in October 2022. Since then, it has grown in numbers and is now operating close to its full capacity of 80 pupils, ranging in age from 7-18.

Easthorpe has 12 classes. Class sizes do not exceed 6 pupils and are supported by a qualified class teacher and teaching assistant.

The school supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) and a range of diagnoses which may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Attachment needs and mild/moderate learning needs.

This job is an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader to help shape the growth and development of the school and enrich the lives of Easthorpe pupils. The role will give you the chance to further develop your skills as a leader whilst giving you the opportunity to work in the most rewarding sector of education.

We provide high-quality education, adopting a thoughtful and informed approach for each pupil. If you would like to find out more about our school or have a chat, please get in touch.

About You

As the Headteacher, you will be a forward-thinking leader, who will play a pivotal role in building and shaping the educational experience for the students.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership: Continue to develop and implement the vision that aligns with the ethos of the Polaris Community, embracing compassion, inclusion and personalised learning. Be able to 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 in place policies and procedures to develop a robust safeguarding culture in the school.

Curriculum Enhancement: Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of the students, ensuring a stimulating and engaging learning journey preparing pupils for their next steps.

Exam Lead: Run and oversee the development of the KS4 offer, implementing GCSEs, Functional Skills and ASDAN accredited courses in line with JCQ requirements.

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 pupils with SEN, aligned with EHCP objectives, within the wider educational community.

Staff Development: Support and mentor a strong team of 50+ staff, promoting continuous professional growth and fostering a collaborative team spirit.

Community Engagement: Continue to build strong relationships with parents, carers and external partners to create a cohesive support network, ensuring the growth and development of the school. Work closely with local authorities, looking at placement offers and current pupils' progress.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with Primary/Secondary teaching experience
• Suitable first degree and/or NPQH (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 abilities

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.