Headteacher at Woodlands School

Woodlands School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodlands School in Harrow is seeking an experienced Headteacher to lead a specialist provision for children with severe and complex needs. You will build on outstanding facilities and a committed staff to secure the very best outcomes for pupils.

You will work with families, therapists and external partners, develop staff, and shape the strategic vision with governors, ensuring inclusion, independence and high standards across all aspects of school life.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a school setting.
• Commitment to specialist education and inclusion.
• Ability to lead safeguarding and pupil welfare.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible and values-led leadership with accountability.
• Champion high standards and continuous improvement across all aspects of school life.
• Develop and empower staff, nurturing future leaders.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, therapists, healthcare professionals and external agencies.
• Work with governors to shape and deliver the school's strategic vision.
• Champion communication, independence and inclusion to secure outcomes for pupils.
• Lead development and growth of the school's specialist community.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Special education expertise

Education

National/Local leadership qualification

Job description

About this Role

Woodlands School is anoutstanding maintained special school in Harrow, highly regarded for its specialistexpertise, strong community partnerships and unwavering commitment to helpingevery child thrive. As our next Headteacher, you will inherit a financiallysecure school with outstanding purpose-built facilities, a skilled anddedicated staff team, supportive governors and a reputation that families andprofessionals trust.

You will join a schoolwhere communication, independence and inclusion shape every aspect of learning,and where teachers, therapists, support staff and families work together tosecure the very best outcomes for pupils with severe learning difficulties,autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties, and a wide range ofcomplex needs.

You will also have theopportunity to shape the next stage of the school's development, building onstrong foundations within a thriving and growing specialist community.

As Headteacher, you will:

• Provide visible and values-led leadership, balancing empathy with clear accountability.
• Champion high standards and continuous improvement across all areas of school life.
• Develop and empower staff, recognising talent and nurturing future leaders.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, therapists, healthcare professionals and external agencies.
• Work closely with governors to shape and deliver the school's strategic vision.
• Champion communication, independence and inclusion to secure the very best outcomes for pupils.
• Build on the school's strong foundations while leading its next phase of development.

If you are anexperienced senior leader with a commitment to specialist education and theconfidence to lead with both compassion and conviction, we would love to hearfrom you.

We strongly encourageprospective applicants to visit the school and experience first-hand the warm,welcoming culture, exceptional facilities and inspiring work of our pupils andstaff.

Pleasenote late applications will not be considered.

Woodlands School is committed to safeguarding andpromoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff andvolunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to anenhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as well as other pre-appointmentchecks, including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe inEducation (September 2026).

We believe that a diverse teamleads to better outcomes and a more enriching workplace. We are committed tofostering a culture where everyone feels they belong.