SEN Headteacher

Headteacher - New Specialist SEND School

Location: Birmingham
Salary: £81,457-£94,439 per annum
Leadership Scale: L18-L24
Start Date: To be confirmed, ahead of the school's planned opening in 2027

Lead the launch of an exciting new specialist school in Birmingham

SEND Inclusion Support is working in partnership with a specialist education provider to recruit an ambitious and experienced Headteacher to lead the development and launch of a brand-new specialist school in Birmingham, planned to open in 2027.

This is a rare opportunity for an established senior leader to shape a new provision from the outset, helping develop its vision, curriculum, facilities and team before taking overall responsibility for the school's leadership and operation.

The school will support children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, including autism and associated additional needs. The aim is to create a high-quality learning environment where pupils feel safe, supported and able to achieve their potential.

The Role Pre-opening phase

Working closely with the wider leadership and development teams, you will play a central role in preparing the school for opening. Responsibilities will include:

• Shaping the school's vision, values and strategic direction.
• Leading curriculum development to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and SEMH.
• Supporting the commissioning and preparation of the new school.
• Leading the school's registration process and working towards the required regulatory approvals.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders, families and professionals.
• Planning staffing structures, recruitment and the development of a strong school team.
• Establishing the policies, systems and procedures needed to deliver a safe, effective and high-quality provision.

Once operational

As Headteacher, you will take overall responsibility for the school's leadership, development and performance. This will include:

• Providing strong strategic and operational leadership.
• Driving high standards of teaching, learning and pupil achievement.
• Creating a positive, inclusive culture centred on pupils' individual needs and wellbeing.
• Leading, motivating and developing a high-performing staff team.
• Ensuring safeguarding, quality assurance and regulatory requirements are consistently met.
• Building effective partnerships with families, local authorities and other professionals.
• Monitoring school performance and driving continuous improvement.
• Ensuring pupils receive the individualised support they need to progress academically, socially and emotionally.

Essential Requirements

We are looking for an inspiring and credible education leader who can demonstrate:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
• Substantial, demonstrable senior leadership experience within a specialist SEND and/or SEMH setting.
• Strong experience supporting and educating pupils with autism and associated social, emotional and mental health needs.
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding, school leadership and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to develop a clear vision, lead organisational change and bring a team together around shared goals.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £81,457-£94,439 per annum (L18-L24).
• The opportunity to lead a brand-new specialist school from its pre-opening stage.
• The chance to shape the school's culture, curriculum and future direction.
• Annual pay progression, enhanced pension contributions and a discretionary annual bonus.
• A comprehensive induction programme and ongoing professional development.
• Access to a range of employee benefits, including wellbeing support, retail and travel discounts, a cycle-to-work scheme and life cover.
• The opportunity to work alongside an experienced wider education leadership team.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to pupils, families and the wider community.

Take the Next Step

If you are an experienced Headteacher or senior education leader ready to take on an exciting new challenge, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

This is an opportunity to help build a specialist school from the ground up and establish a provision where children and young people with SEND and SEMH needs can thrive.

To apply: Please send your CV to SEND Inclusion Support for consideration.

SEND Inclusion Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment and safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check, right to work verification, references and any other checks relevant to the role and setting.

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