Virtual School Headteacher

Reading Borough Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a Virtual School Headteacher to lead efforts in promoting educational achievement for children with social workers. The ideal candidate will have QTS and significant leadership experience in children's services, with a strong commitment to inclusion and collaborative work. This hybrid position offers a competitive salary and benefits including generous annual leave, flexible working opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

On-site day nursery

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in children’s services required.
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Virtual School and promote educational achievement.
• Drive improved educational outcomes across all key stages.
• Manage budgets and represent the Virtual School at networks.

Skills

Leadership in children's services

Trauma-informed practices

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Budget management

Commitment to inclusion

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Overview

Virtual School Headteacher for Children Looked After, Children Previously Looked After and all Children with a Social Worker. This position is Hybrid Working with 2 days in the office. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

As Headteacher of the Virtual School, you will fulfil statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and Children and Families Act 2014, promoting the educational achievement of children looked after wherever they live or are educated. You will lead a dedicated team and work collaboratively across education, social care, health, and other partners to deliver high-quality, inclusive services.

You will be responsible for:

• Strategic leadership of the Virtual School and extended duties for all children with a social worker.
• Driving improved educational outcomes across all key stages.
• Advocating for inclusive and therapeutic practices in schools.
• Managing budgets including Pupil Premium Plus and other grants.
• Leading workforce development and training for carers, teachers, and social workers.
• Representing the Virtual School at regional and national networks.

About You

We are looking for:

• A qualified teacher (QTS) with significant leadership experience in children’s services.
• Trauma-informed and attachment-aware, with a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
• A strategic thinker with proven ability to lead teams and drive improvement.
• An excellent communicator and collaborator, able to build strong partnerships.
• Experienced in managing budgets and delivering value for money.
• Committed to equality, inclusion, and improving life chances for vulnerable children.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision and values

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

• Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
• Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively
• Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
• Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

Closing Date: Sunday 12th October 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Process: To be confirmed

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.