Headteacher (SEN)

Randstad UK; Meldreth; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive security

Competitive remuneration

Governance support

Professional development

Job summary

Randstad UK is partnering with a specialist SEN school near Meldreth to recruit a visionary Headteacher on a permanent, full-time basis. You will hold executive responsibility for strategy, safeguarding, and educational excellence, guiding a multidisciplinary team to meet EHCP needs.

The role offers leadership scale L16-L20 with salary £77,676–£85,547 and a strong governance framework. You will liaise with authorities and families to secure outcomes for pupils with ASC and SEMH.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of executive or senior leadership in a specialist SEN setting.
• Deep knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice, safeguarding, and funding mechanisms.
• Experience leading complex educational provision with high-stakes governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational strategic leadership and drive school improvement.
• Oversee curriculum delivery, EHCP-aligned provision, and outcomes.
• Champion safeguarding, pupil welfare, and trauma-informed practice.
• Lead staff; develop culture, mentoring, and professional learning.
• Manage budget, resources, facilities, and health & safety compliance.
• Engage parents, authorities, and partners to secure outcomes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Safeguarding leadership

Communication

Education

QTS

NPQH or equivalent

Job description

Headteacher (SEN) - Near Meldreth (Permanent Position)

Are you an inspirational, strategic, and values-driven SEN leader seeking a career-defining opportunity to lead a dedicated specialist school community?

We are currently partnering with an exceptional specialist SEN school near Meldreth to recruit a visionary and compassionate Headteacher on a full-time, permanent basis.

In this senior executive leadership role, you will hold overall strategic, operational, and financial responsibility for the school. Working alongside a committed governing body, senior leadership team, and multidisciplinary staff, you will drive pedagogical excellence, uphold rigorous safeguarding standards, and champion a nurture-led environment where pupils with complex needs, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges can thrive.

Key Role Details:

• Position: Headteacher (SEN)

• Location: Near Meldreth, South Cambridgeshire

• Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

• Salary: £77,676 to £85,547 per annum (Leadership Scale L16-L20)

Key Responsibilities:

• Executive Leadership & Strategy: Provide inspirational leadership to articulate a clear vision for the school, driving continuous school improvement and maintaining high standards across all areas of educational provision.

• Quality of Education & Curriculum: Ensure the delivery of a broad, balanced, and highly adapted curriculum that meets the complex educational, social, and emotional needs outlined in pupils' Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

• Safeguarding & Pupil Welfare: Champion a robust safeguarding culture across the school, serving as a beacon for pupil mental health, positive behaviour support, and trauma-informed practice.

• Staff Leadership & Culture: Build, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team of teachers, HLTAs, learning support assistants, and therapeutic staff, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and reflective professional culture.

• Operational & Financial Oversight: Oversee the efficient management of the school budget, resources, facilities, and health & safety compliance, ensuring long-term sustainability and value for money.

• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted partnerships with parents, carers, local authorities, health professionals, and the wider community to advocate for the best outcomes for every pupil.

Candidate Criteria & Requirements:

• Qualifications:

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or QTLS.

  • National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or equivalent executive leadership credential (desirable or in progress).

• Experience: Proven track record of successful executive or senior leadership (Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, or Head of Provision) within a specialist SEN school, alternative provision, or complex educational setting.

• Deep statutory knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice, Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding regulations, and local authority funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex behavioural, emotional, and neurodivergent profiles using nurture-based and de-escalation strategies.
• Outstanding communication, financial acumen, and interpersonal skills to inspire staff and negotiate effectively with external stakeholders.
• A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one).

What The School Offers:

• Permanent Executive Security: A stable, contracted headship role offering total strategic influence and professional fulfilment.

• Competitive Executive Remuneration: Pay rate of £77,676 to £85,547 per annum on the Leadership Scale (L16-L20), reflecting the responsibilities of the post.

• Strong Governance & Support: A supportive, experienced governing board and well-resourced multidisciplinary team.

• Continuous Development: Access to regional executive leadership networks, professional coaching, and ongoing specialist CPD.

Ready to lead specialist education to new heights near Meldreth?

Step into a transformative executive leadership role today.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.