Headteacher

Integrity Education Solutions are supporting an independent SEN Group to appoint an inspiring and ambitious Headteacher to lead the development and launch of a brand-new specialist school in West Midlands opening in 2027. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced specialist education leader to play a pivotal role in shaping a new provision from the pre-opening stage through to full operation.

The school will provide a specialist learning environment for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, with specialist facilities designed to support mental health, wellbeing and positive educational outcomes.

The Role

During the pre-opening phase, the successful candidate will work closely with the group’s senior leadership and development teams to establish the foundations for the new school. This will include contributing to the school's vision and curriculum, supporting the commissioning programme and leading the registration process alongside a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Once operational, the Headteacher will take overall responsibility for the leadership, development and performance of the school, establishing a culture of excellence across education, inclusion, safeguarding and pastoral care.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and launch of the new specialist school, establishing a clear vision and strong culture from the outset.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across education, inclusion, safeguarding and pastoral care.
• Lead the registration, commissioning and pre-opening process, working effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Build, inspire and develop a high-performing specialist education team.
• Ensure high-quality teaching, learning and personalised provision for pupils with SEMH and associated needs.
• Establish strong systems for safeguarding, behaviour, wellbeing, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous school improvement and ensure strong outcomes for every pupil.
• Build effective relationships with families, Local Authorities, professionals and wider stakeholders.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior education leader with a strong track record within specialist education, particularly supporting children and young people with SEMH needs.

Applicants should ideally have

• QTS or equivalent
• NPQH or working towards
• lived experience of working in an operational leadership role under the new Ofsted framework
• Substantial and demonstrable senior leadership experience within a SEN/SEMH setting.
• Strong experience supporting children and young people with autism and associated social, emotional and mental health needs.
• A proven ability to lead staff, develop high-performing teams and a strong culture.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, inclusion and specialist educational practice.
• Highly developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• The ambition and resilience to lead school through both its pre-opening phase and subsequent development.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to build something from the ground up. The successful Headteacher will have genuine influence over the school's vision, curriculum, culture, staffing and specialist offer before taking full responsibility for its development as an operational school. You will join an established specialist education group with a strong commitment to supporting children and young people with additional needs, while having the opportunity to shape a brand-new provision in one of the West Midlands most exciting areas.

Benefits

• Annual pay progression
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Comprehensive induction programme
• 24/7 confidential wellbeing support
• Retail and travel discounts
• Cycle‑to-work scheme
• Generous life cover
• Continued professional development
• Opportunity to lead and innovate within a supportive wider group of specialist schools

Salary: £81,457 – £94,439

Integrity Education Solutions is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment checks

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