training and education
Safeguarding & Prevent
Job Title: Head of School (SEN)
Location: Hull
Working Pattern: Full time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000
The Opportunity:
We are partnering with a progressive independent special education provider to recruit an experienced Headteacher for an exciting new school launch. This greenfield project offers a rare opportunity to build an educational environment and a staff culture completely from scratch. It requires a leader with a strong foundation in the special educational needs sector who excels at practical execution. Because this setting is being established from the ground up, the role demands a proven SEN expert who can step in and navigate complex requirements from day one. Mainstream leadership transitions will not suit the immediate needs of this project.
In return, you will benefit from extensive operational backing. Supported closely by a dedicated Chief Operating Officer with a wealth of expertise in Ofsted inspections and policy management, you will be freed from compliance isolation. This exceptional support allows you to focus on active, visible leadership, mentoring your staff directly on the school floor.
About the Setting:
Situated on a spacious 10 acre facility in Hull that formerly functioned as a nursery and school, this newly refurbished setting is preparing to open its doors this autumn. The modern environment will accommodate up to 60 students aged 5 to 19 who have diagnosed additional needs.
The school specialises in supporting young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and associated speech, language, and communication needs. The pupil profile focuses on low acuity social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) behaviours that are explicitly linked to these pre-existing profiles.
The Approach / Pedagogy:
The curriculum is delivered across three distinct, ambitious pathways mapped to each student's EHCP. These pathways blend formal academic progress, including GCSEs and Entry Level certifications, with functional English, Maths mastery, and vital independent life skills. Grounded in a trauma informed ethos, the school utilises specialised, positive behaviour management strategies to help students self regulate.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
- Maintain a highly visible leadership presence across the school floor, ensuring you are accessible to staff and students rather than being office bound.
- Provide steady, calm energy and direct support to class teams during challenging or dysregulated moments.
- Collaborate hand in hand with the internal executive team and the Chief Operating Officer to maintain robust school operations
- Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture where educators are empowered to bring their unique strengths and therapeutic insights into the classroom.
- Build strong, trusted partnerships with parents, carers, and local authority placement teams to champion student retention and progress.
What We Are Looking For:
Qualifications: Valid Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) along with a completed, recognised postgraduate educational leadership qualification (such as an NPQH, NPQSL, or equivalent).
Characteristics: Proven practical execution and extensive prior leadership experience within a specialist SEN or alternative provision setting. You must demonstrate high emotional intelligence, a hands on doer mentality, and the resilience needed to launch a school from scratch.
Transport & Commute: Ability to reliably commute to the Hull facility. Flexibility to spend initial time immersed within the provider's established sister setting ahead of the official launch is highly preferred to fully integrate into their core values.
Safeguarding & Compliance
This position is subject to a mandatory Enhanced DBS check, verification of right to work in the UK, and satisfactory professional references. Applicants must provide a complete, chronological employment history that explicitly accounts for any gaps in employment or training since leaving full time education.
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