Headteacher (SEN)

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

Job summary

Randstad NV is assisting with the recruitment of a Headteacher (SEN) for a specialist school near Meldreth. The role is full-time and permanent, with overall strategic, operational and financial responsibility, reporting to a governing body and leading an integrated team of professionals.

The successful candidate will drive pedagogical excellence, safeguarding, and a nurture-led environment for pupils with complex needs, ASC and SEMH, while managing the school's budget and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher status (QTS) or QTLS.
• NPQH or equivalent executive leadership credential desirable.
• Proven executive/senior leadership experience in a specialist SEN school or similar setting.
• Deep knowledge of SEN Code of Practice, Ofsted, safeguarding, and local funding mechanisms.
• Experience managing complex behavioural and neurodivergent profiles with nurture-based approaches.
• Excellent communication, financial acumen and stakeholder negotiation skills.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational executive leadership and drive school improvement.
• Deliver a broad, highly adapted curriculum aligned with EHCPs.
• Champion safeguarding and pupil welfare across the school.
• Lead and develop a high-performing staff team.
• Oversee budget, resources, facilities and health & safety compliance.
• Engage with families, local authorities, health professionals and the community.

Skills

Executive leadership

SEN experience

Strategic planning

Communication

Financial acumen

DBS clearances

Education

QTS or QTLS

NPQH or equivalent leadership credential

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.

experience

Teaching

skills

121 teaching experience,ability to communicate with parents,ability to work well under pressure,able to inspire,be a role model,building rapport with children,career driven,communication,effective discipline,empathy,engaging,excellent time management,FMS experience,good behaviour management skills,good classroom management,good communication skills,good sense of humour,high expectations,keen to contribute to the life of the school,key stage 3 experience,key stage 4 experience,key stage 5 experience,knowledge of A-level specification,knowledge of curriculum,knowledge of GCSE specification,knowledge of subject,motivated,partake in extra curricular activities,passion for education,SEN experience,set clear objectives,SIMS experience,sixth form experience,teaching assistant experience,team player,work well autonomously,years 7-11 experience