executive head of school.

£66,368 - £90,255

Cambridge

Contract: Full-time, Permanent (52-week contract)

Are you an inspirational and visionary leader ready to establish, grow, and define the future of an innovative educational provision?

Do you possess the strategic expertise and 'left-field' creativity required to ensure every student-especially those who thrive outside mainstream settings-can access education and achieve the 'impossible'?

If you are an experienced Head or Deputy seeking a high-impact, autonomous role where you will lead with integrity and passion, this is your opportunity to build a culture of excellence and care.

The Role: Visionary Leadership and Operational Excellence

We are seeking an Executive Head to provide energetic and integral leadership for the day-to-day running of our Cambridge school. Reporting directly to the Directors and Board, you will be empowered to ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care, nurturing a positive culture that celebrates individuality and fosters community.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Strategic Direction: Provide visionary leadership, deliver the School Improvement Plan, and lead the strategic growth of the provision, developing new curriculum pathways and expanding capacity.
• Operational Management: Oversee budgets, timetabling, resource management, and administrative systems to ensure efficiency, impact, and compliance (including acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy).
• Teaching & Curriculum: Encourage innovation, creativity, and the effective use of digital technology; manage staff performance, and monitor/improve teaching and student outcomes across the school.
• Pastoral Care: Ensure outstanding therapeutic and pastoral care for both students and staff, promoting a highly inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Stakeholder Relations: Build and sustain a strong local reputation for excellence, actively engaging with parents, Local Authorities, and community partners.

About You: The Inspiring, Strategic Leader

You are a proven leader with the drive, charisma, and resilience necessary to succeed in a demanding yet highly rewarding environment.

• Proven Leadership: Extensive senior leadership experience as a Head or Deputy Head, ideally holding the NPQH (or actively working towards it).
• Strategic Vision & Execution: Possess the ability to analyse, think, and plan strategically to ensure successful growth, coupled with the confidence and conviction to implement strategy and achieve aims.
• Financial Acumen: A strong understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and commercial awareness to manage resources effectively.
• Interpersonal Excellence: Outstanding people skills with the ability to motivate, build collaborative relationships, and manage staff recruitment, development, and performance.
• Commitment to SEN Excellence: High academic standards within the SEN context, with a deep belief in the value of exceptional pastoral care and an innovative approach to learning.
• Compliance: Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS) and complete all required Child Protection Training.

Why Join Us?

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead a provision committed to making the impossible possible for students who need it most. You will be part of a supportive Group structure, benefiting from shared expertise and contributing to wider strategic initiatives, all while maintaining the autonomy to shape the provision in Cambridge.

If you are an ambitious and compassionate leader ready to take on this 52-week contract role and build a legacy of excellence and inclusion, we urge you to apply today.

How to Apply

If you are a dedicated and supportive individual ready to make a difference in a school setting, please apply immediately with your CV or contact Neeraj at neeraj.kommaravalli@randstad.co.uk for more information.

We are the UK market leader for recruitment in education. We have nearly two decades of experience helping teachers and support staff find temporary and permanent roles in schools, colleges, and nurseries. We partner with over 2,500 schools each week, supporting more than 135,000 children every day across the country, which allows us to find the right match for your skills.