Headteacher

Flexzo Teach; Salford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Flexzo Teach is seeking a founding Headteacher for a new independent special school in Salford, focused on supporting pupils with specific needs such as autism and ADHD. This role offers the chance to drive educational quality, culture, and compliance within a small setting with a strong staff team.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in SEND education and a commitment to leading staff towards impactful teaching. You will have full autonomy to shape the school environment and ensure high standards are met.

Qualifications

• Strong experience within SEND education, confidently leading or contributing to whole-school improvement.
• Experience as a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, or SENDCO.
• Proven ability to manage, develop, and inspire education staff.
• Deep understanding of teaching and learning processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee curriculum implementation and champion high-quality teaching.
• Support, develop, and inspire a dedicated staff team.
• Maintain a structured and purposeful school environment.
• Ensure safeguarding and compliance standards are met.
• Collaborate on long-term strategic development and Ofsted readiness.

Skills

SEND education experience

Leading school improvement

Staff management and development

Understanding of teaching and learning

Job description

Flexzo Teach | Headteacher (Specialist SEND Setting)

Looking for a unique, high-impact leadership role in a specialist setting without dealing with traditional agency constraints?

Flexzo Teach is a platform that connects elite education leaders directly with educational settings for permanent and long-term opportunities. We are currently inviting experienced, visionary leaders to register for a rare founding Headteacher opportunity at a brand-new independent special school in Salford.

• Direct Access: Connect directly with school founders and directors with no agency middlemen.
• Streamlined Hiring: Manage your application, communication, and interview scheduling transparently.
• Real Impact: Lead non-traditional, high-support settings that truly transform young people's lives.

About the Role

This is not a standard Headteacher role. We are seeking a founding Headteacher for a newly established, independent special school catering to a small cohort of pupils aged 11–16 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – specifically those with autism, ADHD, and moderate learning difficulties.

The school capacity is strictly capped at 25 pupils, offering high staff‑to‑pupil ratios and a calm, structured, relationship‑led environment. A clear vision, structure, and a carefully selected staff team are already in place; your mission is to drive quality, shape the culture, and secure a strong first Ofsted outcome.

As the Headteacher, you will take full day‑to‑day autonomy and responsibility for the leadership and management of the specialist setting. You will:

• Oversee curriculum implementation and champion high-quality teaching and learning across the provision.
• Support, develop, and inspire a small, dedicated staff team to deliver consistently strong, relationship‑led practices.
• Maintain a calm, structured, and purposeful school environment, leading on behavior, culture, and high expectations.
• Ensure all safeguarding, compliance, and independent school standards are meticulously met.
• Work closely with the Directors and Executive Headteacher on long-term strategic development and Ofsted readiness.

What you’ll need:

• Strong experience within SEND education, confidently leading or contributing to whole-school improvement.
• We welcome applications from existing Headteachers, as well as Deputy Headteachers, Assistant Headteachers, or SENDCOs ready to step up into a Headship role.
• Proven experience in managing, developing, and inspiring education staff.
• A deep understanding of teaching and learning, with the drive to secure a strong outcome in the school’s first inspection.
• Right to work in the UK and a commitment to safer recruitment (the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and thorough reference checks).

Please note: if your reference data is not clear or if you do not meet the minimum criteria, we may not be able to progress your application.