Headteacher

Job Description:

Teaching Personnel is proud to be supporting one of our partner organisations in the recruitment of an exceptional Headteacher for a brand-new specialist school opening in late 2026. This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape a provision from the ground up, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

This new provision will support children and young people aged 5–19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and Communication and Interaction needs. With capacity for up to 120 pupils across multiple sites, the school is designed to be a nurturing, inclusive and aspirational environment where every learner can thrive.

As Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in establishing the school’s vision, ethos and operational foundations. Working closely with central support teams, you will:

• Lead on the development of the school’s strategic direction and culture from inception
• Recruit, develop and inspire a high-performing, multidisciplinary staff team
• Design and implement a bespoke, student-centred curriculum aligned to EHCP outcomes
• Ensure the highest standards of education, care and safeguarding are consistently delivered
• Oversee all aspects of school performance, including educational outcomes, operations and financial management
• Build strong relationships with families, local authorities and external agencies

You will be accountable for delivering an outstanding educational provision, ensuring that each student’s individual needs are met through innovative, holistic approaches to learning and development.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced leader who can inspire others and drive meaningful change. You will bring:

• Proven leadership experience at senior level within a specialist or SEN setting
• A strong track record of school improvement and raising student outcomes
• Experience working with pupils with ASD, SEMH and complex needs
• Knowledge of curriculum development, assessment and EHCP frameworks
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and high-quality education for all

A relevant leadership qualification  or willingness to work towards this is desirable.

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a new specialist provision and shape its future from day one. You will be supported by an experienced central team while having the autonomy to create a truly outstanding environment for both students and staff.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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