Job Description

About the team we are recruiting to

Castle Wood is the largest broad-spectrum special needs primary school in Coventry, with 195 primary-aged pupils. Special education needs include PMLD, SLD, ASD, SLCN, and some of our children display complex behaviour challenges. Our vision, "Together, children first", reflects our belief that everyone plays a vital role in helping our pupils realise their full potential. Our values drive everything we do at Castle Wood. The school values are honesty, integrity, trust, empathy and respect. We are proud of the positive ethos of our school, underpinned by our Early Years principles across all year groups and are passionate about teaching and learning and making a difference in our children's lives.


The board of governors is seeking to appoint Castle Wood's next Headteacher to continue to lead and drive the school forward. We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, positive, and inspirational Headteacher who has a strong desire to work with and develop children with complex learning needs and a desire to continue to drive our exceptional school forward.


What is the job role?

As our Headteacher you will:

Create a culture of continuous improvement through inspirational leadership, being committed to the highest levels of achievement for all areas of our school in order to provide an excellent education for all of our pupils Promote a positive focus on quality first teaching, creative learning and meeting our pupils educational and personal needs. Monitor teaching and learning Develop a cohesive staff that work together to meet the educational and social needs of our pupils and support staff training and development Ensure Castle Wood meets the SEND code of practise in delivering statutory components of EHCPs and the requirements of relevant inspection and regulatory bodies Be outward facing looking to work closely with local authorities, external agencies and communicate effectively with all stakeholders including governors, parents and carers

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate will:

Demonstrate a wealth of relevant strategic experience as a senior leader supporting SEND children within a complex and changeable working environment Have practical knowledge and experience of the system, processes and challenges of a special school environment Be experienced with Ofsted procedures/inspections and working with School Improvement Partners to accurately assess and implement improvements Possess experience in managing budgets effectively and ensuring cost efficiency and financial compliance Have a clear understanding of Safeguarding and the role of a senior leader in this process Have experience in designing and delivering creative and academically engaging curricular, with excellent management skills and the ability to work with various professional networks Be a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience of working with primary aged pupils who have a range of complex special needs Have, or be undertaking, NPQH or other relevant professional qualifications/development in leadership Excellent interpersonal skills, resilience, sensitivity and an infectious enthusiasm, demonstrating forward thinking and positivity. The ability to lead with passion and compassion - supporting a dedicated team to do a demanding job, whilst ensuring that all are performing to the highest possible standards Knowledge of Early Years principles as this underpins teaching and learning in our school

In return, we will provide:

Committed and supportive governing body, leadership team, colleagues, and parents A well-equipped and well-maintained school Commitment to continuing professional development and access to online learning platforms Comprehensive staff wellbeing package including taking some leadership time off-site, employee assistance programme, salary sacrifice scheme, access to hydrotherapy pool, free tea and coffee, free staff car parking, and staff workwear. Competitive salary with a teacher pension scheme Access to salary sacrifice schemes Access to occupational health and counselling services Free tea and coffee, onsite parking

If this opportunity excites you and, you believe you are the right person to lead our school and you want to make a difference to the lives of pupils at Castle Wood, then we want to hear from you.

Application process:

To apply for the post, please download the candidate information pack, where you will find the detailed job description and person specification. Completed application forms should be submitted by no later than midnight on Sunday, 11th January 202,6 using the online application link provided.


Please ensure that you answer the following question on your online application form:

Describe, with reference to your present post and responsibilities, how your experience meets the requirements of this post. Describe your leadership style, touching upon your strengths and development areas

A shortlist of candidates will be selected by 16th January and invited to attend a selection process. This will take place over two days on 28th & 29th January with a series of activities including a formal interview.


References will be sought before the interview.


The governing body actively encourages all candidates to visit the school to see our amazing facilities and meet our children. The dates of Monday, 15th December, from 1 pm onwards and Wednesday, 7th January, in the morning have been identified for these. To arrange a visit, please contact Vicky Moore (People & Operations Lead) moorev@castlewood.coventry.sch.uk or 024 7670 9060, option 4.


Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS. Please note that an online search may form part of this recruitment process.


If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our

accessibility page

to learn about the assistance we can provide.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre-employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note,

an online search may form part of this recruitment process.