Principal - Specialist SEMH/Autism Education Leader

Lift Schools; England; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development account up to £100k

Executive coaching

High-quality professional development

Relocation package

Job summary

Lift Wishmore seeks an inspirational Principal to lead a specialist school for boys with SEMH needs and autism. You will drive engagement, attendance and outcomes while uniting teachers, therapists and leaders around a shared vision.

The role requires deep SEMH and autism expertise, a compassionate leadership style, and the ability to reconnect disengaged learners with education. You will work within Lift Schools to shape the Trust’s specialist provision.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of successful senior leadership and improving pupil outcomes.
• Deep expertise in SEMH, autism and emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA).
• Ability to re-engage children and families who have become disconnected from education using relational approaches.
• Inspirational people leadership to build a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear, ambitious vision for a specialist school where every child feels safe and valued.
• Lead outstanding SEMH and autism-informed practice, ensuring education, therapeutic support and pastoral provision work together.
• Develop strategies to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for disengaged pupils.
• Inspire and unite teachers, support staff and practitioners around a shared commitment to every child's success.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, the local authority and external partners to remove barriers.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

SEMH expertise

Autism expertise

Relational approaches

Strategic leadership

Change management

Job description

Lift Wishmore seeks an inspirational Principal to lead a specialist school for boys with SEMH needs and autism. You will drive engagement, attendance and outcomes while uniting teachers, therapists and leaders around a shared vision.

The role requires deep SEMH and autism expertise, a compassionate leadership style, and the ability to reconnect disengaged learners with education. You will work within Lift Schools to shape the Trust’s specialist provision.