School Principal / Head of Service

CareTech; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading school is seeking a School Principal / Head of Service to elevate their institution from 'good' to 'great'. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in education and care settings, and will lead both the school's educational and residential aspects. Located in scenic Dorset, this position offers the chance to shape the school's long-term strategy and make a significant impact in the lives of young people with complex needs.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in educational leadership.
• Experience managing children's homes.
• Strong understanding of independent school standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead both educational and residential aspects of the school.
• Develop positive relationships with stakeholders.
• Shape long-term strategies for the school's success.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship Building

Child Care Regulations Knowledge

Strategic Planning

Education

NPQH or Principals Qualifying Programme

Recognised Degree-level teaching qualification or equivalent

Social Work Qualification or equivalent

NVQ or Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management in Residential Children's Services

NVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management for Care Services

Job description

Location

Blandford Forum

Contract

Full Time

Role Type

Permanent

Working hours per week

40

Salary

Up to £90,000 DOE

Closing Date

Tuesday 5 August 2025

School Principal / Head of Service
Location: The Forum School, Blandford Forum, Dorset
Salary: up to £90,000 DOE + Performance related bonuses and Management Incentive Plan eligibility

We are seeking an outstanding school leader with a proven track record and a comprehensive understanding of both Education and Care settings for SEN. The successful candidate will have the drive to develop positive relationships with key stakeholders and work closely with our teams. Our goal is to elevate our school from ‘good’ to ‘great’.

As the School Principal / Head of Service, this role involves leading both the Education and Residential aspects of the school as the Responsible Individual (RI) for the two children’s homes registrations.

You should possess experience and knowledge of Children’s homes regulations and independent school standards to effectively lead the school. The children’s homes are managed by an experienced Registered Manager, and the school by an experienced head teacher. Our unique school and residential children’s homes are situated on the same grounds.

Bringing our plans for The Forum School to fruition will be challenging and intense, but with enthusiasm, creativity, and a hands-on approach, the rewards will be significant. You will have a unique opportunity to shape and deliver the long-term strategy for the school and our mission to transform the lives of our young people.

Desirable Qualifications

• NPQH or Principals Qualifying Programme (other relevant qualifications and/or experience may be acceptable)
• Recognised Degree-level teaching qualification or equivalent / Social Work Qualification or equivalent
• NVQ or Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management in Residential Children's Services or equivalent
• Previous experience as a Registered Manager / RI in a Residential Children's Care Setting
• NVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management for Care Services
• Clean, current driving licence

About The School
The Forum School is a day and residential school supporting children up to 52 weeks for those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and complex needs. The onsite homes are rated as Good in all areas by OFSTED (September 2024), and the school itself is rated as RI, with Behaviour and Attitudes rated as Good.

Located in the scenic Dorset countryside with 28 acres of land, the school features facilities such as a theatre, sports hall, indoor and outdoor riding areas, climbing wall, safe play areas, swimming pool, and stables.

Our children have access to the National Curriculum, tailored to meet their needs. The school offers a proven programme of specialist education and 24-hour care, supported by multidisciplinary teams and high staffing ratios to ensure intensive individual support. Each class typically has six students, one teacher, and at least two teaching assistants.

Our teams are dedicated to Cambian’s goals, understanding the challenges and rewards of working with our young people to make each day extraordinary.

Safeguarding Statement
Any successful application will be subject to Enhanced DBS, reference checks, and online searches in line with government regulations and Safer Recruitment practices. Cambian will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates to assess suitability for working with children. The search will be conducted by a person not involved in the appointment panel to avoid bias and discrimination. Only relevant findings will be shared with the panel. Cambian is an Equal Opportunities employer.