Headteacher – Specialist SEND School

Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 per annum
Full Time | 40 hours per week | Permanent

Simply Education is recruiting an experienced and inspirational Headteacher to lead an established independent specialist school supporting young people aged 11–19 with Special Educational Needs, predominantly Autism.

This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity for an ambitious SEND education professional who is passionate about creating an environment where young people with additional and complex needs can feel safe, achieve academically and prepare successfully for adulthood. The successful Headteacher will provide both strategic and operational leadership, taking responsibility for educational quality, safeguarding, school improvement, staff development and the overall wellbeing and outcomes of pupils.

About the School

The school provides specialist education for young people aged 11–19 with a range of additional needs, primarily associated with Autism. Pupils benefit from a safe, supportive and low-sensory learning environment, alongside an ambitious curriculum incorporating GCSE qualifications, personalised learning and enrichment opportunities.

The school's approach combines high expectations with trauma-informed and therapeutic practice, recognising that every young person requires an individualised approach to learning, behaviour and personal development.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a specialist provision with a strong focus on helping young people achieve meaningful outcomes and successfully transition into further education, employment, training and adulthood.

The Role

As Headteacher, you will be the lead professional within the school and will set the tone, culture and strategic direction of the provision.

You will:

• Provide inspirational leadership and establish a clear vision for the continued development of the school.
• Promote an inclusive, nurturing and aspirational culture where pupils and staff can thrive.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, education and pupil wellbeing.
• Lead a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach across the school.
• Drive consistently high standards of teaching and learning using evidence-informed practice.
• Oversee the development and delivery of a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum tailored to individual pupil needs.
• Ensure pupils' EHCPs, IEPs and personalised learning pathways are effectively implemented, monitored and reviewed.
• Lead and develop teaching, SEND, pastoral and wider support teams.
• Establish high expectations around behaviour, relationships and professional conduct.
• Ensure effective pastoral systems support pupils' mental health, wellbeing and personal development.
• Develop positive partnerships with families, professionals, external agencies and other key stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for staffing, budgets, resources and facilities, ensuring these support the school's educational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards, safeguarding legislation and health and safety requirements.
• Work closely with governors and senior leaders, providing accurate reporting and strategic advice.
• Champion high-quality CPD, coaching and professional development across the school.