Job Description

Hours:

40 per week. Minimum 9am-3pm on active duty

Salary:

42,000- 46,000 annum depending on experience

Location:

Home-based with requirement to attend on-site training, meetings, or other requirements on request during working hours. Minimum on-site attendance 3 hours per week (Monday or Friday TBC) at Hexham or Corbridge based office. Own vehicle is essential as this role may involve carrying out home visits, or meetings with other professionals or educational settings within the UK. Mileage paid.

The role requires the postholder to act as a Senior Representative of the School and a member of the Executive Board working under the direction of the Company Director. It also includes line management responsibilities. A subject specialism would be preferred.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary current Headteacher or ambitious Leader to lead our new Virtual Academy, dedicated to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and those experiencing persistent or severe non-attendance at other educational provision. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, ensure the highest standards of education, safeguarding, and wellbeing, and build a strong culture of inclusion and aspiration within a virtual learning environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership

Provide clear vision and direction for the Virtual Academy, ensuring it meets the needs of pupils with complex SEN/SEMH needs and entrenched non-attendance. Develop and implement a high-quality, personalised curriculum tailored to individual learning pathways. Promote a culture of high expectations, resilience, and inclusion across all aspects of the school. Lead and manage change effectively in a developing educational landscape, ensuring innovation in the use of technology and pedagogy. Support the Virtual Academy through accreditation/ registration and inspection.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment

Ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across all virtual platforms. Oversee the design and delivery of flexible timetables to accommodate diverse learner needs. Monitor and evaluate pupil progress, attendance, and engagement, ensuring robust interventions are in place. Promote creativity in curriculum delivery and support staff in adapting approaches to meet individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets.

Safeguarding & Pupil Welfare

Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring safeguarding practices are rigorous in the virtual context. Ensure staff are well-trained in safeguarding, online safety, and supporting vulnerable learners. Work closely with parents, carers, local authorities, and external agencies to promote pupil wellbeing and secure positive outcomes.

Management & Staff Development

Lead, inspire, and manage a team of teachers, support staff, and mentors delivering education online. Foster a collaborative and supportive staff culture with a focus on continuous professional development. Manage recruitment, induction, and appraisal processes effectively.

Partnerships & External Relations

Build strong relationships with local authorities, schools, health and social care services, and voluntary agencies. Represent the Virtual Academy at multi-agency meetings and contribute to strategic planning for pupils at risk of exclusion or disengagement. Engage with parents and carers, offering guidance and support to build trust and engagement in the learning process.

Finance & Compliance

Ensure effective management of school budgets, resources, and compliance with statutory and Ofsted requirements. Lead the school in achieving positive inspection outcomes, maintaining accountability and transparency.

Person Specification

Essential

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and leadership experience in SEN/SEMH settings (5 years)

Proven record of raising standards and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners

Strong knowledge of virtual/online learning platforms and approaches

Deep understanding of statutory responsibilities, including safeguarding, SEND Code of Practice, and behaviour/attendance legislation

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire staff, pupils, and parents.Ability to work flexibly, innovativly, and collaboratively

Desirable

NPQH (or working towards)

Experience in leading a virtual, alternative provision, or hospital school

Experience of working closely with local authorities and multi-agency safeguarding teams.

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to lead an innovative virtual academy at the forefront of inclusive education. Work with a dedicated and passionate team making a real difference to young people's lives.Supportive governance and leadership structures.A chance to shape the future of education for learners often overlooked in traditional systems.

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

In this position, the postholder will:

Leading safeguarding and child protection across the Virtual Academy, including online safety. Make and support referrals to relevant agencies (e.g., Children's Social Care, Channel, DBS) and ensure clear documentation is maintained. Advise staff on safeguarding matters and supervise the wider safeguarding team where appropriate. Oversee secure, confidential record keeping (CPOMS, Single Central Record) and ensure files are transferred appropriately when pupils move. Promote a safeguarding culture by leading training, ensuring policy compliance, and encouraging open, trusting relationships with pupils. Liaise with Seniors, mental health leads, and external partners to ensure integrated, holistic support for children. Monitor the impact of safeguarding concerns on pupils' wellbeing, attendance, and academic progress.

Note regarding Remuneration & Progression

The post of Headteacher is offered with a starting salary reflective of the Academy's early stage of development and its position as a new provision within our education group.As the Academy is being established from scratch, the successful candidate will initially combine strategic leadership with a teaching commitment of 15-20 hours per week. This teaching load will reduce as pupil numbers grow and the staff team expands, enabling the Headteacher to focus increasingly on leadership, quality assurance, and external development.The salary for this role will be reviewed on a regular basis, taking into account factors such as student admissions, the growth of the Academy, and the wider development of the company.As the provision matures, there is an expectation that the remuneration package will evolve to reflect the Academy's scale and sustainability, alongside the Headteacher's growing strategic responsibilities.

Please contact us directly for more information for a full job description or more information about this post.

The above duties do not define or include all tasks required of the post holder. Duties and responsibilities may vary without changing the level of responsibility.

This role requires working with children who may display challenging behaviours and/or who may have special educational needs. Confidence in behaviour management is an essential requirement.

We require all staff to undergo training in Positive Handling alongside other statutory training.

We reserve the right to close applications early.

Safeguarding is the highest priority and we follow Safer Recruitment procedure. All staff must undergo an enhanced DBS.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 42,000.00-46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:

Ashington NE63 9XQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

SEN Leadership: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

QTS (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:

50% (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ashington NE63 9XQ