Watergate School - Headteacher

Watergate School; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 117,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Watergate School in London is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead its specialist primary school for pupils aged 4–11 with complex needs. You will provide strategic vision, secure high-quality teaching, and drive continued school improvement while developing a dedicated workforce and strong partnerships with the Brent Knoll and Watergate Co-operative Trust.

The role requires outstanding leadership in SEND, safeguarding, inclusion and a proven track record of transforming outcomes for

Qualifications

• Successful senior leadership experience within a special school or specialist SEND setting.
• A strong understanding of complex SEND, including severe learning difficulties, autism and profound and multiple learning difficulties.
• A proven track record of school improvement and securing high-quality teaching and learning.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff.
• Strong strategic leadership and partnership-working skills.
• An unwavering commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and improving outcomes for children with SEND.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and inspirational leadership to build on Watergate's strong reputation and shape its future.
• Lead the continued development of our specialist provision and secure excellent teaching and learning.
• Develop our talented workforce and ensure every pupil makes the best progress from their starting point.
• Collaborate with governors, families and Trust colleagues to strengthen partnerships, including the Brent Knoll and Watergate Co-operative Trust.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic leadership

Inclusion & safeguarding

Partnership working

Staff development

SEND expertise

Job description

Watergate School, Bellingham, Lewisham, London
Salary: L29–L35 (£116,772–£133,661)

An exceptional opportunity to lead an exceptional specialist school.

Are you an inspirational and ambitious leader with a passion for improving the lives of children with complex special educational needs and disabilities?

Due to the retirement of the incumbent after a highly successful 6 years in post, Watergate School is seeking an outstanding Headteacher to lead its highly regarded specialist primary school into its next exciting chapter.

Educating 189 pupils aged 4–11 with severe and profound learning difficulties and complex needs, Watergate is a warm, inclusive and ambitious community where every child is valued, celebrated and supported to achieve their full potential.

Our ethos is captured in our values: 'I Can, You Can, Together We Will.'

We benefit from outstanding specialist facilities, including sensory and therapy rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and extensive accessible outdoor spaces. In September 2026, we opened a new two-storey building, creating exciting opportunities to further develop our provision. Having recently brought our school community together on a single site, this is a particularly exciting time to join us.

The Opportunity

Working closely with governors, staff, families and Trust colleagues, you will provide the strategic vision and inspirational leadership to build on the school's strong reputation and shape its future.

You will lead the continued development of our specialist provision, secure excellent teaching and learning, develop our talented workforce and ensure every pupil makes the best possible progress from their individual starting point. You will also play an important role in our partnership with Brent Knoll School through the Brent Knoll and Watergate Co-operative Trust.

About You

We are looking for an exceptional leader who brings:

• Successful senior leadership experience within a special school or specialist SEND setting.

• A strong understanding of complex SEND, including severe learning difficulties, autism and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

• A proven track record of school improvement and securing high-quality teaching and learning.

• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff.

• Strong strategic leadership and partnership-working skills.

• An unwavering commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and improving outcomes for children with SEND.

If you share our belief in the potential of every child and have the ambition to take Watergate forward, we would love to hear from you.

Thursday 3 December 2026

Watergate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant safer recruitment checks.