Headteacher - The Avenue School

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 114,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Reading Borough Council’s The Avenue School seeks an inspirational Headteacher to lead a specialist academy for pupils with SEND. The role starts April or September 2027 and centers on inclusive education, high expectations, and building strong partnerships with families, staff, governors and local authorities.

You will drive safeguarding and pupil welfare, lead curriculum development, and ensure excellent teaching while stewarding finances and resources to deliver personalised support for every

Qualifications

• Experience leading in a SEND setting.
• Proven track record of raising achievement.
• Ability to lead curriculum development.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge.
• Strong governance and partnership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the school.
• Build upon 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 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 personalised support.

Skills

SEND leadership

Strategic leadership

Staff development

Stakeholder comms

Inclusion vision

Education

QTS

NPQH

Job description

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.

The Opportunity

• 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.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Headteacher - The Avenue School

Company: Reading Borough Council
Salary: £113,646 to £131,578 a year
Hours: Part-time
Location: Reading, RG30 4BZ
Working pattern: On-site
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 6 Nov 2026
Closing date: 3 Dec 2026