Executive Headteacher/ Executive Principle (SEMH/SEND Schools)

Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: £75,000 per annum (negotiable DOE)
Contract: Permanent | Full-time
Start: September 2026 / Flexible
Closing date for applications: Applications reviewed as received

Luma Education Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of a growing specialist education provider seeking an experienced Executive Headteacher to lead and support multiple specialist SEND schools across Greater Manchester.

This is an exciting opportunity for an established Headteacher, Executive Headteacher, Executive Principal or School Leader looking to make a wider impact across several schools. You'll provide strategic leadership, drive school improvement, support Heads of School, and ensure every setting delivers outstanding education for children and young people with additional needs.

• Provide strategic leadership across a group of specialist SEND schools.
• Drive school improvement, educational standards and positive pupil outcomes.
• Lead, coach and develop Heads of School and senior leadership teams.
• Ensure schools remain Ofsted-ready and meet Independent School Standards.
• Oversee safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, compliance and operational performance.
• Support the development of personalised curricula aligned to EHCP outcomes.
• Promote a positive, trauma-informed and relationship-led culture across all schools.
• Work collaboratively with central services including HR, Operations, Compliance and Safeguarding.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS or equivalent).
• Successful experience as a Headteacher, Principal or senior education leader.
• Strong knowledge of SEND, specialist education and inclusive practice.
• Proven track record of school improvement and raising educational standards.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding, Ofsted and Independent School Standards.
• Outstanding leadership, organisational and people management skills.
• Ability to travel regularly across Greater Manchester.

Desirable

• Multi-site or Executive Leadership experience.
• NPQH, NPQEL or equivalent leadership qualification.
• Experience working with Local Authorities and commissioning teams.

• Competitive salary of £75,000+ DOE.
• Permanent senior leadership opportunity within a growing organisation.
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of multiple specialist schools.
• Supportive executive leadership team and established central services.
• Company pension.
• Health and wellbeing programme.
• On-site parking.
• Referral programme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.

Luma Education Recruitment connects outstanding education professionals with schools and specialist provisions across the UK. We recruit for a wide range of leadership and teaching positions, including Headteachers, Executive Headteachers, SENCOs, Teachers and SEND professionals.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

To discuss this Executive Headteacher opportunity or apply, send your CV to (url removed) or call (phone number removed).

Looking for something different? Get in touch to discuss other Headteacher, Executive Leadership and SEND leadership opportunities across the UK.