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Head of School
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Head of School
Head of School | Birchwood Children's Services
Location: Birchwood, Warrington
Company: Birchwood Children’s Services
Hours: Full-time, Permanent
Inspiring a Better Future
Are you an ambitious, values-driven educational leader ready to build a lasting legacy in special education?
At Birchwood Children’s Services, we put our students at the heart of everything we do. Our co-educational independent SEN school supports young people aged 5–19 with Autism (ASD), speech & language differences, learning disabilities, and complex associated behavioral or emotional needs.
We are seeking an inspirational, resilient, and forward-thinking Head of School to lead our dedicated staff team, champion our person-centered curriculum, and ensure every child finds their unique voice, develops their talents, and grows into a confident individual.
The Role
As the Head of School, you will hold overall operational and educational leadership of our site in Warrington. Working closely with the executive leadership team, you will shape an environment where safety, nurturing care, and high academic and personal aspirations meet.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Strategic Leadership: Driving the school’s core values—Potential, Achievement, Growth, and Empowerment—into every classroom and daily interaction.
- Curriculum & Innovation: Overseeing the delivery of highly bespoke, flexible learning pathways that balance academic progression with essential life and independence skills.
- Therapeutic Integration: Collaborating seamlessly with our multidisciplinary teams, behavior support leads, and therapists to maintain a calm, secure, and regulated learning environment.
- Culture & Development: Leading, mentoring, and empowering our passionate teaching and support staff, fostering a culture of continuous professional development and robust staff retention.
- Quality & Inspection: Ensuring the school consistently meets and exceeds Ofsted independent school standards and safeguarding guidelines.
- Community Engagement: Building trust and maintaining outstanding communication with parents, carers, local authority SEND caseworkers, and external practitioners.
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About You
We are looking for a visible, passionate leader who is deeply familiar with the joys and complexities of the SEND sector. You are someone who understands that behavior is communication, and you possess the emotional intelligence to lead a team through challenging moments with poise and optimism.
To be successful, you will need:
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent, alongside a relevant leadership qualification (e.g., NPQH) is highly desirable.
- Experience: A proven track record of successful leadership as a Headteacher, Head of School, or substantial Deputy Head within a specialist SEN or SEMH school environment.
- Expertise: Deep knowledge of autism spectrum conditions, sensory processing differences, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), and the independent school inspection framework.
- Vision: A firm belief that enjoyment is key to learning and a commitment to creating fun, meaningful educational experiences.
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What We Offer
- A highly competitive salary reflecting your experience and leadership track record.
- The opportunity to lead a beautifully designed, well-resourced specialist learning environment.
- A genuinely supportive corporate framework that respects your educational autonomy while providing strong operational backing.
- Comprehensive healthcare, pension, and wellness benefits.
- Fully funded continuous professional development.
How to Apply
If you have the leadership skill, specialized knowledge, and deep passion to lead Birchwood Children's Services into its next chapter of excellence, we want to hear from you.
Please click Apply Now to submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your educational philosophy and how you meet the requirements for this role.
Birchwood Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to strict safer recruitment practices, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
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