Headteacher - SEMH School

Compass Associates; England; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with a performance bonus

Enhanced pension benefits

Stable leadership team

Opportunity for growth ahead of Ofsted inspection

Job summary

A leading education recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Headteacher for a SEMH specialist school in Hackney. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team and drive inclusive educational strategies for students with SEMH needs. This full-time, permanent position offers a competitive salary with additional benefits, making it an ideal opportunity for those ready to make a significant impact in an inclusive setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in a Headteacher role.
• Ability to lead in high-need settings.
• Strong curriculum sequencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive successful strategies already in place.
• Lead and develop the senior team.
• Champion an inclusive curriculum.
• Manage budgets and ensure high standards.

Skills

SEMH experience

Headteacher leadership

Curriculum expertise

Budget management

Job description

Senior Consultant - Children's and Education

Headteacher – SEMH Specialist School

Full-time | Permanent |

Hackney

Are you a proven school leader ready to make a lasting impact in an inclusive and specialist setting?

We’re seeking an experienced Headteacher to lead a well-established SEMH school in East London. The school supports between 80–90 students with SEMH needs, some of whom are on the autistic spectrum.

This is a unique opportunity to build on the rapid progress made by the current Headteacher. The school has a strong and supportive senior leadership team and is well-placed to continue its journey ahead of its next Ofsted inspection in summer 2026.

The Role

The new Headteacher will:

• Continue driving the successful strategies already in place.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a senior team including a Deputy Headteacher, two Assistant Headteachers, and an Associate Headteacher.
• Champion an inclusive, aspirational curriculum that balances tailored alternative learning with the goal of achieving strong qualifications for pupils.
• Work closely with the local authority, manage budgets effectively, and ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, behaviour, and pupil outcomes.

About You

We’re looking for a resilient and inspiring leader who:

• Has substantial SEMH experience and proven Headteacher-level leadership (3+ years experience in a headship role).
• Thrives in high-need settings and remains calm, positive, and solution-focused.
• Brings strong curriculum expertise and the ability to sequence lessons that raise aspirations and achievement.
• Understands how to develop staff, nurture talent, and maintain a collaborative and supportive culture.
• Can navigate the operational challenges of budget management and partnership working with external stakeholders.

Why Join:

• Competitive salary L21–L27 with a performance bonus scheme.
• Enhanced pension benefits.
• A stable, experienced senior leadership team and a rebuilding clinical multi-disciplinary team.
• Opportunity to build on solid foundations and see real progress ahead of a forthcoming Ofsted inspection.

Application Process

• Initial informal discussions with senior leaders and HR to explore your experience and vision for the role.
• Opportunities for a site visit to meet the team and understand the school’s ethos.
• Formal panel interviews scheduled for 25th November 2025

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].

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.