Headteacher

Polaris Community; Thornaby-on-Tees; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Life Insurance x 2

Employee Discount Scheme

Medical Cash Plan

Job summary

Polaris Education - Middlesbrough School in Ormesby, Middlesbrough, is seeking a Head Teacher to lead a nurturing and inclusive school serving pupils with SEN. You will provide educational leadership, safeguard as the DSL, develop curriculum and oversee staff development, ensuring a supportive and high-quality educational environment.

The role requires strong communication and strategic vision. Applicants should have QTS; NPQH is desirable but not essential, with significant SEN leadership

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with primary or secondary teaching experience.
• NPQH is desirable but not essential.
• Experience working with pupils with SEN and a deep understanding of their requirements.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Educational leadership to align with Polaris Community ethos, ensuring compliance with standards.
• Safeguarding: act as DSL, develop safeguarding policies and culture.
• Curriculum enhancement to meet diverse student needs and promote holistic development.
• Pastoral care and SEN advocacy to support emotional wellbeing and EHCP objectives.
• Staff development and mentoring to foster professional growth and teamwork.
• Community engagement with parents, carers and external partners.

Skills

SEN leadership

People leadership

Communication skills

Curriculum development

Education

QTS

NPQH (not essential)

Tools

None

Job description

Polaris Education - Middlesbrough School

Headteacher

Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only

Salary: 50,000 - 60,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Projected Opening Date: April 2027

Location: Ormesby, Middlesbrough

Additional Benefits

• Professional development opportunities, including CPD through internal and external providers
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Life Insurance x 2
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Medical Cash Plan

Are you a compassionate and dedicated educational leader? Do you have a passion for supporting students with special educational needs (SEN)? We are seeking an exceptional Head Teacher to lead our nurturing and inclusive school community.

About the School

Located in Middlesbrough, our school has capacity for up to 72 pupils and provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5‑18 with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

Our school will form part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We're incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected education services have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

About You

As the Headteacher, you will be a forward‑thinking leader who will play a pivotal role in building a new team and shaping the educational experience for our pupils.

Key Responsibilities

• Educational Leadership: Develop and implement a vision that aligns with the ethos and values 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: Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and collaborating 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 our students, ensuring a stimulating and engaging learning journey preparing pupils for their next steps.
• 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 SEN students, aligned with EHCP objectives, within the wider educational community.
• Staff Development: Support and mentor staff, promoting continuous professional growth and fostering a collaborative team spirit.
• Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, carers and external partners to create a cohesive support network, ensuring the growth and development of the school.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with primary or secondary teaching experience
• Suitable first degree and/or National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) (not essential)
• Experience working with pupils with SEN and a deep understanding of their unique requirements
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Join us on this exciting journey to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this role further, please contact Zoe Chittenden, Recruitment Manager.