Headteacher

Job Description:

Headteacher - Alternative Provision Secondary School

Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Permanent Position | Via Tradewind Recruitment

Tradewind Recruitment is proud to be supporting an alternative provision secondary school in Thrapston in the appointment of a dedicated, resilient, and inspirational Headteacher. This is a permanent leadership opportunity within a specialist setting that supports 38 students with behavioural, social, emotional, and special educational needs.

This school plays a vital role in transforming the lives of young people who require a highly structured, nurturing, and consistent educational environment. The successful Headteacher will bring strong behaviour management expertise, a clear vision for inclusion, and the ability to lead with both authority and compassion.

The Role:

As Headteacher, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the school, ensuring high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, teaching, and learning. You will lead a committed staff team, foster positive relationships with pupils and families, and work closely with external agencies to support students with complex needs.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing strong, visible leadership and setting clear expectations for behaviour and conduct

Leading and developing staff to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed and SEN-focused practice

Overseeing safeguarding, attendance, and pupil wellbeing

Creating and maintaining a calm, structured, and supportive learning environment

Working closely with governors, local authorities, and external professionals

Driving continuous improvement while maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Proven senior leadership experience within alternative provision, PRU, or SEN settings

A strong background in behaviour management and SEMH support

Excellent understanding of SEN and inclusive education

The ability to build trust and rapport with students who have faced barriers to learning

A resilient, reflective, and emotionally intelligent leadership style

Commitment to safeguarding and student-centred practice

Why This Role?

Opportunity to lead a small, close-knit school where leadership impact is immediate and meaningful

The chance to shape the strategic direction of a specialist provision

Support through Tradewind Recruitment throughout the appointment process

A deeply rewarding role making a genuine difference to vulnerable young people

This position would suit an experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head ready to step into headship, with a passion for alternative education and inclusive leadership.

Apply today via Tradewind Recruitment to lead a school where strong leadership truly changes lives.

#INDNOR