Job Description:

Executive Headteacher – Secondary SEMH School

King's Cross, Central London

Location: King's Cross, London
Salary: £85,000 - £110,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner by negotiation)

Are you an inspirational and experienced senior leader with a passion for transforming outcomes for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Headteacher to lead a specialist secondary SEMH school in the heart of Central London. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a growing and ambitious provision supporting students aged 11–19 with complex SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, and associated learning difficulties.

The successful candidate will provide outstanding educational leadership, drive school improvement, and ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding, and pastoral care across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the school.
• Drive improvements in teaching, learning, behaviour, attendance, and outcomes.
• Lead and develop the Senior Leadership Team.
• Ensure outstanding safeguarding and student welfare practices.
• Oversee curriculum development tailored to SEMH learners.
• Manage school budgets, staffing, compliance, and operational performance.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, commissioners, local authorities, and external agencies.
• Promote a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach to education.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and substantial leadership experience.
• Proven track record as a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Head of School, or Executive Leader.
• Significant experience within SEND, SEMH, Alternative Provision, or specialist education.
• Strong understanding of EHCPs, SEND legislation, safeguarding, and school improvement.
• Demonstrable success in raising standards and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
• NPQH, NPQEL, or equivalent leadership qualification desirable.

What We Offer

• Competitive Executive Leadership salary package.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a specialist SEMH provision.
• Supportive and forward-thinking governance structure.
• Ongoing executive leadership development opportunities.
• A chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people.

If you are a visionary leader who believes every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, we would love to hear from you.