Special Educational Needs Headteacher

search; Chorley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An equal opportunities recruiter is seeking an experienced headteacher for a SEN school in Wigan, opening in 2026. The role requires a wealth of experience in a similar SEND environment, with the ability to lead and inspire staff and students. Applicants should hold Qualified Teacher status and demonstrate strong communication and relationship-building skills. The position offers various benefits, including occupational sick pay and career progression opportunities, in a supportive environment focused on student and staff wellbeing.

Benefits

Occupational sick pay

Christmas bonus

Blue Light Card

Referral scheme with cash rewards

Financial wellbeing service

Life Assurance

Tastecard

Comprehensive induction programme

Therapeutic training support

Access to free online courses

Employee assistance programme

High quality CPD opportunities

Free eye checks

Community and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Wealth of experience as a Head Teacher in a similar environment.
• Thorough understanding of Independent School Standards.
• Ability to build relationships and support both staff and pupils.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-quality provision for pupils with complex needs.
• Work towards outstanding rating through effective curriculum models.
• Drive improvements and motivate staff and pupils.

Skills

Experience in SEND environment

Understanding of School Improvement process

Communication skills

Motivational abilities

Qualified Teacher status

Job description

Are you an enthusiastic individual who prides themselves on shaping the lives of children and their education? If so, then this is an excellent opportunity for you!

Opening in 2026, this SEN school in Wigan is looking for an experienced and passionate headteacher to establish and lead a high-quality provision for pupils with complex needs.

This role is working within an independent specialist day school providing high-quality education for boys and girls. Based in Wigan, the school meets the diverse needs of pupils aged between 5-16 with a variety of SEND needs.

The successful applicants will need:

• A wealth of experience working as a Head Teacher in a similar SEND environment or setting.
• Have a good understanding about the School Improvement process, effective curriculum models and the development of process, maintain and build your understanding of requirements, helping the school move towards an outstanding rating
• Have a thorough understanding and knowledge of the Independent School Standards
• Ability to motivate, drive and support staff and pupils, using a person-centred approach
• A real 'can do, will do' attitude, with the desire to succeed and improve our school
• Excellent communication and top-quality relationship building skills
• Hold Qualified Teacher status

Why work for us?

• Occupational sick pay
• Christmas bonus
• Blue Light Card
• Colleague referral scheme with cash rewards - earn up to 2500 per referral!
• Financial wellbeing service
• Life Assurance
• Tastecard - spectacular savings on dining, pizza, cinema tickets, supermarkets, and UK attractions!
• Opportunity to progress in your career through our Education Academy, and ongoing training and professional development.
• Comprehensive and tailored induction programme including face-to-face training, online modules, shadowing, and local induction period.
• Face-to-face therapeutic training and support for all colleagues via our SHINE programme.
• Access to a wide range of free online courses for all colleagues on a variety of topics
• Employee assistance programme - free, confidential support via Bupa.
• Supportive management and senior leaders.
• High quality CPD opportunities.
• Free eye checks.
• Community and wellbeing- Your wellbeing matters to us, and we are committed to ensuring you get all the support you need to feel good about what you do. We're in this together.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.