Job Description

Job Overview

Headteacher - New Residential Special School for Children with Learning Disabilities

Contract: Permanent - Term Time Only

Capacity = 20 pupils

As Headteacher, you will provide strategic, operational and inspirational leadership to the school, ensuring outstanding educational provision within a deeply therapeutic context. You will work closely with the wider senior leadership team across care and therapies and network teams, contributing to the life of the whole community.

You will be responsible for:

- Providing clear, values-led leadership to staff and pupils

- Ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and curriculum development

- Maintaining full compliance with DfE, Ofsted and statutory requirements

- Leading inspection readiness, self-evaluation and school improvement

- Developing staff through reflective, relational leadership

- Working closely with therapeutic and residential colleagues to ensure integrated care and education

- Upholding the emotional and psychological safety of pupils and staff

The Person

We are looking for a Headteacher who:

- Has successful senior leadership experience in SEN, alternative provision or specialist settings

- Has strong understanding of trauma, attachment and therapeutic education (or a genuine commitment to developing this)

- Is a confident, values-driven leader with emotional intelligence and warmth

- Can lead with clarity, containment and compassion

- Is experienced in Ofsted and regulatory frameworks

- Thrives within complexity and is reflective in their practice

- Experience of working within therapeutic communities, residential education, or complex SEN environments is highly desirable.

Why Join ICS?

- Lead a school where your decisions directly improve the educational outcomes, wellbeing, independence and life chances of vulnerable young people

- Shape a 24-hour provision that integrates education, care, therapy, and safeguarding, allowing you to influence every aspect of pupils' development

- Develop and implement creative, personalised approaches to learning, behaviour support and residential care that truly meet individual needs.

- Collaborate closely with governors, local authorities, families, and agencies to deliver high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement.

- Be part of a reflective, thinking organisation that genuinely prioritises staff development and emotional wellbeing.

We Offer:

- A community that values emotional depth and reflective thinking

- Regular clinical supervision and individualised and group clinical support

- Leadership development and ongoing therapeutic training

- A model where wellbeing is protected - for children and staff

- Company sick pay

- Competitive company pension scheme

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 68,361.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Sick pay
Application question(s):

How many years of experience do you have of working with children with special needs?
Licence/Certification:

QTS (required)
Work Location: In person