Job Description

HEAD TEACHER - THE BELPER SCHOOL (PMLD), BELPER

Bayleaf Care:

Amazing Things Are Happening Here!

We are looking for a Head Teacher for our new (P/MLD) school in Belper, Derbyshire. This will be a Specialist Independent School for pupils aged 7-18 years with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)

This a full-time permanent role due to start in April 2026.

Salary:

up to 85,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus (5% for Good, 10% for Outstanding) There is also an annual Quality and Compliance measurable bonus (2.5% for bench mark GOOD, 5% for bench mark OUTSTANDING)

About The Belper School

Bayleaf Care is delighted to announce the creation of The Belper School, a brand-new, purpose-built special school designed to meet the needs of young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).

Opening in September 2026, The Belper School will provide outstanding education and care for up to 25 pupils aged 7-18, all of whom require 1:1 support. Our curriculum will be tailored to each learner's individual needs, focusing on communication, independence, sensory learning, life skills, and functional literacy and numeracy. We will draw on frameworks such as EQUALS, ASDAN, Oak Academy, and AQA.

This role also includes leadership oversight of Bayleaf's two existing education hubs based in Burton-on-Trent (Postern and Doveside), which currently educate up to 10 young people residing in Bayleaf's children's homes.

The Role

As the founding Headteacher, you will have the rare opportunity to shape The Belper School from the ground up, creating a culture where every child is seen, heard, and supported to thrive. You will:

Lead the establishment, growth, and daily leadership of the school

Drive the vision, ethos, and culture from inception

Recruit, inspire, and manage a dedicated, highly skilled staff team

Design and deliver a meaningful, individualised curriculum for each pupil

Ensure high standards of teaching, safeguarding, compliance, and Ofsted readiness

Oversee the Postern and Doveside education hubs, maintaining consistency of practice

Collaborate closely with Bayleaf's residential and therapeutic services to deliver holistic education

Build strong relationships with families, local authorities, and external professionals

About You

We are seeking an experienced, inspirational, and compassionate leader with a passion for PMLD education. You will have:

Essential:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Proven senior leadership experience within a PMLD or complex SEND setting

Track record of driving school improvement and achieving strong Ofsted outcomes

Deep understanding of SEND legislation and individualised education

Experience in safeguarding, compliance, and multi-agency working

Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

Desirable:

NPQH (or equivalent)

Experience of opening or developing a new SEND provision

Knowledge of sensory and therapeutic education approaches

What We Offer

A competitive salary of up to 85,000 and a bonus scheme

The chance to build and lead a brand-new special school

Support from a forward-thinking, well-resourced provider

Competitive salary and benefits

Continuous professional development and leadership mentoring

Access to clinical and therapeutic support within the Bayleaf network

The opportunity to make a lasting impact on young lives

About Bayleaf Care

Bayleaf Care delivers exceptional care and education for children and young people who have experienced trauma or have additional learning needs. Using the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy), we ensure every child feels safe, valued, and understood.

Our organisation currently includes:

5 children's homes (2 with schools)

2 education hubs (Postern and Doveside)

2 leaving care services (opening 2026)

3 adult transition homes (CQC registered)

This structure ensures our young people experience stability and continuity through care, education, and adulthood.

How to Apply

Please apply through INDEED, or if you would like some initial additional information, please contact:
Greg - 07775 654492 or 0333 038 7550

For more information about Bayleaf Care and our existing education and care settings, visit: https://bayleafcare.co.uk/

Bayleaf Care - Amazing Things Are Happening Here.
Join us in building something truly special.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Company events Company pension Free parking Gym membership On-site parking Private medical insurance
Experience:

headteacher of a special school: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person