Headteacher - The Avenue School

Teaching Vacancies; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Avenue School in England seeks an exceptional Headteacher to lead its specialist academy for pupils aged 3–19 with SEND. You will provide strategic leadership, safeguard pupils, and drive improvements in teaching, learning and curriculum while building strong partnerships with trustees, governors, parents and external agencies.

You will lead a dedicated staff team, ensure value for money and financial compliance, and champion inclusive education so every pupil receives personalised support

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience within a SEND setting.
• Experience developing strategies to raise achievement for pupils with additional needs.
• Ability to provide strategic and creative leadership to sustain a clear school vision.
• Strong ability to build relationships with governors, staff, pupils, parents and professionals.
• Committed to staff development and wellbeing; thorough safeguarding knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the school.
• Drive continuous improvement and high expectations in teaching, learning and curriculum.
• Lead and develop a talented staff team and safeguarding culture.
• Work with trustees, governors, parents and external agencies to support pupils.
• Ensure effective financial management and value for money; act as Accounting Officer.

Skills

Strategic leadership

SEND leadership

Stakeholder communication

Staff development

Safeguarding expertise

Education

QTS

NPQH or equivalent leadership experience

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Full Time - 1.0 FTE - Permanent - Start Date: April or September 2027

Are you an inspirational leader who believes that every child can thrive?

The Avenue School is seeking an exceptional and visionary Headteacher to lead our specialist school into its next exciting chapter. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), whilst leading a dedicated and highly skilled team committed to achieving the very best outcomes for every pupil.

We are looking for a leader who is passionate about inclusive education, has high expectations for all learners, and can inspire staff, pupils, families and the wider community through a clear and ambitious vision.

About The Avenue School

The Avenue School is a thriving specialist academy providing education and support for more than 260 pupils aged between 3 – 19, with a range of severe or profound learning difficulties, some physical disabilities and autism.

Our vision is to ensure that every pupil develops the skills, confidence and independence needed to achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives. We have small well-resourced classes and a real passion for supporting young people to have active and healthy lives through an exciting education both in and out of the classroom.

We are proud of our committed staff, supportive families and strong culture built on respect, inclusion and excellence.

The Role

As Headteacher, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the school.
• Build upon our strong culture of high expectations and continuous improvement.
• Ensure outstanding safeguarding, pastoral care and pupil welfare.
• Drive excellence in teaching, learning and curriculum development.
• Lead and develop a talented and dedicated staff team.
• Work in close partnership with trustees, governors, parents, local authorities and external agencies.
• Ensure effective financial management and value for money.
• Act as the school's Accounting Officer, ensuring compliance with statutory, financial and regulatory requirements.
• Champion inclusion and ensure every pupil receives the personalised support they need to succeed.

We Are Looking for Someone Who

• Has substantial senior leadership experience within a SEND setting,
• Has developed and implemented strategies for raising achievement and improving outcomes for pupils with additional needs.
• Can provide strategic and creative leadership to maintain and develop a school vision with quality learning for all at its centre
• Can build and maintain effective relationships and communicate appropriately with governors, staff, pupils, parents and other professionals
• Is an Inspirational leader who is committed to staff development and wellbeing
• Has a thorough understanding of safeguarding, SEND legislation and school improvement.
• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or equivalent leadership experience.

What the school offers its staff

We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a highly respected specialist academy.
• A talented and committed staff team
• Engaged and supportive Trustees and Governors.
• Extensive professional development opportunities.
• A positive, nurturing and collaborative culture.
• The chance to make a profound difference to the lives of children and families.

The Avenue School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, online checks and appropriate safeguarding procedures.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.