SEND Headteacher

Senploy; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Enhanced pension contributions

Induction and professional development

Job summary

Senploy is recruiting a Headteacher to lead the launch of a brand-new specialist SEND school in Birmingham, planned to open in 2027. The post requires an experienced senior leader with QTS and NPQH, capable of shaping vision, curriculum and team development during the pre-opening phase and taking overall leadership once operational.

The role focuses on supporting children with SEMH and autism, safeguarding, regulatory compliance and building strong partnerships with families and local

Qualifications

• QTS or equivalent
• NPQH
• Substantial senior leadership experience in a specialist SEND/SEMH setting
• Experience supporting and educating pupils with autism and SEMH needs
• Strong safeguarding, school leadership and regulatory understanding
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to develop a clear vision and lead organisational change
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children with additional needs

Responsibilities

• Shaping the school's vision, values and strategic direction for a new provision.
• Leading curriculum development to meet SEND/SEMH pupil needs.
• Planning staffing structures, recruitment and development of the school team.
• Managing the pre-opening registration process and regulatory approvals.
• Building partnerships with families, local authorities and professionals.
• Overseeing policy, systems and procedures for safe, effective provision.
• Providing strategic and operational leadership once the school opens, driving high standards and pupil outcomes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Curriculum development

Safeguarding governance

Education

QTS or equivalent

NPQH

Job description

Headteacher - New Specialist SEND School

Location: Birmingham

Leadership Scale: L18-L24

Start Date: To be confirmed, ahead of the school's planned opening in 2027

Lead the launch of an exciting new specialist school in Birmingham

SEND Inclusion Support is working in partnership with a specialist education provider to recruit an ambitious and experienced Headteacher to lead the development and launch of a brand-new specialist school in Birmingham, planned to open in 2027.

This is a rare opportunity for an established senior leader to shape a new provision from the outset, helping develop its vision, curriculum, facilities and team before taking overall responsibility for the school's leadership and operation.

The school will support children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, including autism and associated additional needs. The aim is to create a high-quality learning environment where pupils feel safe, supported and able to achieve their potential.

The Role Pre-opening phase

Working closely with the wider leadership and development teams, you will play a central role in preparing the school for opening. Responsibilities will include:

• Shaping the school's vision, values and strategic direction.
• Leading curriculum development to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and SEMH.
• Supporting the commissioning and preparation of the new school.
• Leading the school's registration process and working towards the required regulatory approvals.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders, families and professionals.
• Planning staffing structures, recruitment and the development of a strong school team.
• Establishing the policies, systems and procedures needed to deliver a safe, effective and high-quality provision.

Once operational

As Headteacher, you will take overall responsibility for the school's leadership, development and performance. This will include:

• Providing strong strategic and operational leadership.
• Driving high standards of teaching, learning and pupil achievement.
• Creating a positive, inclusive culture centred on pupils' individual needs and wellbeing.
• Leading, motivating and developing a high-performing staff team.
• Ensuring safeguarding, quality assurance and regulatory requirements are consistently met.
• Building effective partnerships with families, local authorities and other professionals.
• Monitoring school performance and driving continuous improvement.
• Ensuring pupils receive the individualised support they need to progress academically, socially and emotionally.

We are looking for an inspiring and credible education leader who can demonstrate:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
• Substantial, demonstrable senior leadership experience within a specialist SEND and/or SEMH setting.
• Strong experience supporting and educating pupils with autism and associated social, emotional and mental health needs.
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding, school leadership and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to develop a clear vision, lead organisational change and bring a team together around shared goals.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £81,457-£94,439 per annum (L18-L24).
• The opportunity to lead a brand-new specialist school from its pre-opening stage.
• The chance to shape the school's culture, curriculum and future direction.
• Annual pay progression, enhanced pension contributions and a discretionary annual bonus.
• A comprehensive induction programme and ongoing professional development.
• Access to a range of employee benefits, including wellbeing support, retail and travel discounts, a cycle-to-work scheme and life cover.
• The opportunity to work alongside an experienced wider education leadership team.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to pupils, families and the wider community.

SEND Inclusion Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment and safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check, right to work verification, references and any other checks relevant to the role and setting.