School Principal / Head of Service

Cambian Group; Winterborne Whitechurch; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Winterborne Whitechurch is seeking a School Principal / Head of Service to lead educational and residential programs for children with complex needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in special education and care, aiming to enhance the school's quality from 'good' to 'great'. This role offers a salary up to £92,700 DOE along with performance-related bonuses.

Benefits

Performance related bonuses

Management Incentive Plan eligibility

Qualifications

• Desirable qualifications include NPQH or Principals Qualifying Programme.
• Previous experience as a Registered Manager/RI in a Residential Children's Care Setting is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the education and residential aspects of the school.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

SEN understanding

Education

Recognised Degree level teaching qualification

NVQ or Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management

Clean, current driving licence

Job description

Overview

School Principal / Head of Service

Location: The Forum School, Blandford Forum, Dorset

Salary: up to £92,700 DOE; Performance related bonuses and Management Incentive Plan eligibility.

We are looking for an outstanding school leader with a proven successful track record and a comprehensive understanding of both the Education and Care setting for SEN, to develop positive and engaging relationships with key stakeholders, working closely with our teams.

We want you to take our school from 'good' to 'great'.

Role and responsibilities

As the School Principal / Head of Service, this role will require you to lead both the Education and the Residential aspects of the school as the Responsible Individual (RI) for the two children’s homes registrations. Located in the 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, a swimming pool and stables. The school offers the National Curriculum with appropriately differentiated teaching, and draws upon specialist education and 24-hour care with a wide range of clinical and therapeutic inputs. Multi-disciplinary teams and high staffing ratios ensure intensive individual support. In each class, six students benefit from the attentions of a teacher and at least two teaching assistants. Our teams are committed to Cambian's goals and to making daily life an extraordinary day for our young people.

Safeguarding and recruitment information will apply in line with government regulations and Safer Recruitment best practice. The successful application will be subject to Enhanced DBS, references and online checks. Cambian conducts online searches of shortlisted candidates as part of safeguarding; information will be shared only if relevant and of concern.

Qualifications and experience

• Desirable Qualifications: NPQH or Principals Qualifying Programme (or other relevant qualifications/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 role 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 children and young people diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and associated complex needs. The onsite homes are rated Good in all areas with OFSTED (September 2024). The school is rated as RI, with Behaviour and Attitudes rated Good.