Job ID: S-U-5794 - Headteacher

Tes is supporting the appointment of a Headteacher to join a school based in Cannock.Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 | Full Time (40 hours/week)Purpose of RoleThe Headteacher is the lead professional and role model for the school community, responsible for providing visionary and operational leadership that ensures high quality education, safeguarding, and wellbeing for pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviours. This role demands a commitment to the school’s ethos of trauma-informed, therapeutic practice and the EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Caring), fostering a positive, inclusive, and safe environment where every pupil can thrive.At the CollegeWe are a small independent school who support students which may have previously experienced difficulties accessing in their education We are committed to ensuring that all students learn and are engaged in the appropriate programme of study, which allows them to successfully re-engage with education and to achieve their very best outcomes.We offer a very broad and balanced curriculum that enables pupils to undertake examinations and gain qualifications including GCSE’s, BTECs and functional skills, we also have access to a wide range of adventurous subjects which include water sports, mountain biking, archery, horse-riding etc.Key ResponsibilitiesEstablish and sustain the school’s ethos, strategic vision, and directionCreate a culture where pupils and staff experience a positive, enriching, and safe school life, promoting respect, inclusion, and high aspirations. Fostering a trauma-informed and therapeutic environmentEstablish and sustain high-quality, expert teaching across all subjects and phases, based on evidence-informed practises and understanding of how pupils learnLead curriculum design and implementation ensuring a broad, balanced, structured, and coherent entitlement, tailored to pupils’ individual needs, including vocational and therapeutic elementsDevelop and support subject leaders and teaching staff through professional networks, coaching, and research-informed continuous trainingEstablish and maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour and courteous conduct, underpinned by clear rules, routines, and positive relationships as set out in the school’s behaviour policy and the Staff Code of ConductEnsure effective pastoral care systems that support pupils’ mental health, wellbeing, and personal development in partnership with families and external agenciesEnsure the school meets statutory SEND requirements and provides tailored, high-quality support for pupils with additional needsLead the SENDCO and pastoral teams to monitor and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and personalised learning pathwaysFoster collaborative partnerships securing appropriate provision and supportManage resources effectively, including staffing, finance, and facilities, ensuring alignment with educational priorities and compliance with statutory requirementsEnsure compliance with Independent School Standards and all relevant health and safety regulationsWork closely with the governing body to provide accurate information, strategic advice, and support governance effectiveness. While preparing governance reports and ensuring compliance with Independent School StandardsEncourage staff to engage in sustained, high-quality professional development aligned with the Staff Code of Conduct’s emphasis on collaboration and research-informed practice.RequirementsProven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational settingDeep understanding of the Ofsted independent school inspection framework, statutory duties, and safeguardingCommitment to the Nolan Principles and highest standards of professional conduct as outlined in the Staff Code of ConductAbility to develop and implement a clear vision and strategic plan for