Principal - SEND

senploy; Uttoxeter; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational organization in Uttoxeter is seeking a Head Teacher for its new SEMH school. This full-time permanent role offers a competitive salary of up to £85,000 and the opportunity to shape the learning environment for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. As a founding leader, you will create an inclusive curriculum and foster strong relationships with families and external agencies. Apply now to make a difference in students' lives.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus scheme

Supportive leadership team

Ongoing CPD and leadership coaching

Access to clinical and therapeutic expertise

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience within a specialist or SEMH/alternative provision setting.
• A proven record of improving outcomes for young people with complex needs.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch of the new SEMH provision.
• Recruit and manage a passionate, skilled staff team.
• Create an inclusive, aspirational learning culture.

Skills

Leadership experience within a specialist or SEMH setting

Understanding of trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of Ofsted frameworks

Proven record of improving outcomes for young people

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NPQH or equivalent leadership qualification

Job description

Overview

Bayleaf Care: Amazing Things Are Happening Here!

We are looking for a Head Teacher for our new SEMH school in Uttoxeter. This will be a Specialist Independent School for pupils aged 7-18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is a full-time permanent role due to start in April 2026.

Salary: up to £85,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus (5% for Good, 10% for Outstanding). There is also an annual Quality and Compliance measurable bonus (2.5% for benchmark GOOD, 5% for benchmark OUTSTANDING).

About The Manor School

Bayleaf Care is proud to announce the opening of The Manor School, a brand-new, purpose-built specialist school for pupils with SEMH needs.

Opening in April 2026, The Manor School will provide education for up to 76 pupils aged 7-18 years, combining therapeutic care with high-quality, individualised education.

The school will begin with a small cohort of around 25 students, primarily young people already living within Bayleaf's children's homes; before growing to full capacity in September 2026.

Our curriculum will be broad, balanced, and creative, using recognised frameworks such as Oak National Academy, EQUALS, ASDAN, White Rose Maths, and AQA, and underpinned by a trauma-informed, relational approach.

The Role

As the founding Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the identity, ethos, and success of The Manor School from day one. You will:

• Lead the launch, strategic, and operational development of the new SEMH provision
• Recruit, inspire, and manage a passionate, skilled, and dedicated staff team
• Create a safe, inclusive, aspirational, and values-driven learning culture
• Design and deliver an inclusive, engaging, and aspirational curriculum tailored to SEMH learners
• Embed trauma-informed and therapeutic practice throughout the school
• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, quality, and compliance, including Ofsted registration and Independent School Standards
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with families, carers, local authorities, and external agencies
• Work closely with Bayleaf's residential and therapeutic teams to ensure continuity of care and education

About You

We're looking for an inspiring, experienced leader who believes in the power of relationships and the potential of every child.

You will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Significant leadership experience within a specialist or SEMH/alternative provision setting
• A proven record of improving outcomes for young people with complex needs
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice
• Excellent knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and safeguarding
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills

Desirable

• NPQH (or equivalent leadership qualification)
• Experience in setting up or registering a new school

About Bayleaf Care

Bayleaf Care provides exceptional care and education for children and young people across the UK who have experienced trauma or have additional learning needs.

We use the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) to build strong, trusting relationships that form the foundation for learning and personal growth.

Bayleaf currently operates:

• 5 specialist children's homes (2 with on-site schools)
• 2 education hubs in Burton-on-Trent
• 2 leaving care services opening in 2026
• 3 adult transition homes (CQC registered)

Each home has its own therapist, and all staff receive training in trauma-informed practice.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary of up to £85,000 and a bonus scheme
• The chance to design and open a brand-new specialist school
• A strong, supportive leadership team within a growing organisation
• Ongoing CPD and leadership coaching
• Access to clinical and therapeutic expertise
• A genuine opportunity to change lives every day

How to Apply

In the first instance please submit your CV, or if your CV is out of date and you initially had a few questions about the role, submit what you have because we always call potential candidates to see if you have any questions and tell you more about Bayleaf Care and the role.

Bayleaf Care - Amazing Things Are Happening Here. Join us in building something truly special.