Headteacher - SEMH School (Leeds)

Teaching Personnel; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel Ltd. is seeking an inspirational Headteacher to lead a specialist SEMH school in Leeds, serving both primary and secondary-age students.

Start date January 2027 (handover December 2026) on a temp-to-perm basis, with a salary of £60,000–£70,000 (negotiable) for the right candidate. The ideal candidate will hold QTS and NPQH (or equivalent), have proven leadership experience in education, and experience with secondary-aged pupils.

Qualifications

• QTS and NPQH or equivalent headship qualification.
• Proven leadership experience in education.
• Experience with secondary-aged students.
• Passion for SEMH and SEND provision.
• Strong safeguarding, communication, and school improvement knowledge.
• Ability to lead from the front and inspire others.

Responsibilities

• Lead a specialist SEMH school in Leeds.
• Drive positive outcomes for pupils, staff and community.
• Maintain a nurturing environment for SEMH students.
• Lead from the front with vision and presence.
• Oversee safeguarding and school improvement.

Skills

Leadership experience

Secondary education

Safeguarding

Communication

School improvement

Lead from the front

Education

QTS + NPQH

Job description

Headteacher - SEMH School

Leeds

£60,000 - £70,000 (Negotiable)

Start Date: January 2027 (handover December 2026)

Temp to Perm

We are seeking an inspirational, confident, and hands‑on Headteacher to lead a specialist SEMH school in Leeds, supporting both primary and secondary-aged students.

This role requires a strong leader who can hit the ground running, take the reins from day one, and drive positive outcomes for pupils, staff, and the wider school community. The successful candidate will have the vision, resilience, and presence to lead a specialist setting while maintaining a nurturing and supportive environment for young people with SEMH needs.

Applications are welcomed from both specialist and mainstream settings.

Previous SEMH experience is desirable, but we are equally keen to hear from experienced school leaders with a genuine passion for SEND and SEMH education.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• QTS and a recognised Headship qualification (NPQH or equivalent).
• Proven leadership experience within education.
• Experience working with secondary-aged students.
• A genuine passion for SEMH and SEND provision.
• Strong safeguarding, communication, and school improvement knowledge.
• The confidence and credibility to lead from the front and inspire others.

In Return:

• Competitive salary of £60,000 - £70,000, with flexibility for the right candidate.
• Opportunity to secure a permanent position.
• The chance to make a lasting difference in a rewarding specialist setting.
• A supportive and committed staff team.

If you're a confident, ambitious leader ready to take the next step and make a real impact on the lives of young people, we'd love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

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