Headteacher - Brand New SEMH School

Compass Associates; England; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Excellent bonus scheme

Opportunity to shape school culture

Job summary

An education recruitment firm is seeking an inspirational Headteacher for a new specialist SEMH school in Cheshire. The role offers a competitive salary of up to £70,000 plus an excellent bonus scheme, along with the unique chance to shape the school’s culture and provide high-quality education for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact in specialist education.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading or contributing to leadership in a SEND/SEMH setting.
• Ability to create and sustain a strong ethos-driven culture.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch and ongoing development of the SEMH provision.
• Recruit and manage a skilled staff team.
• Create an inclusive curriculum tailored to SEMH learners.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and quality standards.
• Build relationships with parents and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership in SEND/SEMH setting

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Passion for education

Job description

Senior Consultant - Children's and Education

Headteacher – Brand New SEMH School

Location: Cheshire

Salary: Up to £70,000 + Excellent Bonus Scheme

We are proud to be recruiting for an inspirational Headteacher to lead the opening of a brand-new specialist SEMH school in Cheshire, due to open beginning of 2026.

This purpose-built school will provide high-quality education for up to 25 students, supporting children aged 5–13 years (Key Stages 1–3) with social, emotional and mental health needs. As the founding Headteacher, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the school’s culture, recruit and lead your team, and embed a nurturing, ambitious environment where children can thrive.

The role will include:

• Leading the launch and ongoing development of a brand-new SEMH provision.
• Recruiting, managing and inspiring a skilled and dedicated staff team.
• Creating and delivering an inclusive, engaging and aspirational curriculum tailored to the needs of SEMH learners.
• Ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, quality and compliance in line with Ofsted.
• Building positive relationships with parents, carers, local authorities and external agencies.

We are looking for a Headteacher who:

• Has proven experience in leading or significantly contributing to leadership within a SEND/SEMH setting.
• Can create and sustain a strong ethos and values-driven culture.
• Is passionate about achieving outstanding outcomes for children with SEMH needs.
• Possesses exceptional leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Can thrive in the challenge of establishing a brand-new school.

What’s on offer:

• A competitive salary of up to £70,000 and an excellent bonus scheme
• The chance to shape and grow a brand-new school from the very beginning
• A supportive and ambitious organisation committed to specialist education

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a passionate leader to make a real and lasting impact in specialist education!

If this exciting opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, please contact Jordanna Osborn on 02394211147 Alternatively, email an updated CV to [e-mail].

Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy. We offer a £200 John Lewis voucher for successful referrals following the completion of probation.