Job Description:

Brava Education is working exclusively with a small independent therapeutic school in South East London to appoint a Head of School. This is a new post and a headship in all but title, leading the school day to day while the Executive Headteacher focuses on strategy and the wider organisation.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The school supports neurodivergent young people, including autistic young people and those with ADHD, anxiety, depression and OCD. It is a therapeutic school first, where relationships, regulation and feeling safe come before learning.

Young people who have struggled in other settings often settle quickly here, and the school is calm, safe and well run. Therapy is built into the week, and young people have a say in their learning and their future. The school is in a strong position, and this appointment is about building on that.

THE ROLE

As Head of School you will:

• Lead the school day to day, with delegated authority over the quality of education, behaviour, attendance, SEND provision and outcomes
• Lead and line manage the whole staff team, a small, close-knit group of teachers, support staff and specialist tutors
• Lead curriculum and teaching, working alongside therapists so their recommendations shape what happens in class
• Act as SENCo (or line-manage a SENCo) and Deputy DSL
• Hold a delegated budget and report to the board on standards
• Build strong relationships with families, placing authorities and the wider school community
• Be the visible leader that young people, families and staff look to every day

BALANCE

The role is 40 hours a week, on site from 9am to 4pm with an hour for lunch. The school day runs from 10am to 3pm, and the post is 42 weeks a year: 40 on site and 2 flexible. That gives this role a balance that is rare at headship level. It would suit someone who wants the responsibility and impact of leading a school, alongside a life outside it. CPD funding is available, including for NPQs, along with an employee support programme and scope for the role to grow as the organisation expands.

WHO THEY ARE LOOKING FOR

• QTS, with NPQSL or NPQH preferred (this can be completed in post)
• Experience as a head, head of school, deputy head or experienced assistant head in a special school, AP, or specialist SEMH or autism setting
• SENCo experience, including EHCPs and work with local authorities (a SENCo qualification is not essential)
• A trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach that sees behaviour as communication
• Experience of leading whole-school change, holding others to account and handling sensitive HR matters
• A genuine all-rounder, comfortable working with a high level of autonomy

The school describes the leader it needs as having a strong back and a soft front. That means warm, empathetic and relational with young people and staff, and firm enough to make decisions, follow through and keep people accountable.

HOW TO APPLY

For a confidential conversation, contact Stacey Shaw 

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references, which may be taken up before interview. Brava Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.