Head of School (Principal)

Head of School (Principal) 

Location: West London

Salary: Leadership Scale (Competitive & Negotiable for Exceptional Candidates)

Contract: Full Time | Permanent

Are you an inspirational senior leader ready to shape the future of a specialist provision and transform the lives of vulnerable young people?

We are recruiting on behalf of a highly respected Alternative Provision within a nationally recognised multi-academy trust. This is a rare opportunity to lead an established and successful specialist setting that supports children and young people who may have experienced barriers to education, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), behavioural challenges, disrupted educational journeys or risk of exclusion from mainstream education.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated team within a values-driven organisation where inclusion, ambition and life-changing outcomes are at the heart of everything.

The Opportunity

As Head of School (Principal), you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the academy, driving excellence in education, safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and personal development.

Working closely with an experienced Executive Principal and wider Trust leadership team, you will have the autonomy to lead your own provision whilst benefiting from the support, expertise and development opportunities available through a high-performing multi-academy trust.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious Vice Principal, Deputy Headteacher or experienced Head of School seeking their next leadership challenge.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction across the academy.
• Drive continuous school improvement and ensure the highest standards of education.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team committed to exceptional outcomes.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, inclusion and aspiration.
• Ensure outstanding safeguarding practices across the provision.
• Lead on behaviour, attendance, personal development and student wellbeing.
• Develop strong partnerships with families, local authorities, commissioners and external agencies.
• Monitor and improve student outcomes through effective use of data and quality assurance.
• Support the ongoing development of innovative Alternative Provision and inclusion practices.
• Contribute to Trust-wide leadership initiatives and collaborative working.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an exceptional leader who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Has a successful track record within senior educational leadership.
• Demonstrates strong experience of school improvement and raising standards.
• Has experience working with vulnerable learners within Alternative Provision, PRU, SEMH, SEND or Inclusion settings, or has a significant inclusion and behaviour leadership background within mainstream education.
• Possesses outstanding communication, coaching and people leadership skills.
• Can inspire confidence amongst staff, pupils, families and external stakeholders.
• Is resilient, strategic and highly visible as a leader.
• Has an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Applications are welcomed from:

• Vice Principals
• Deputy Headteachers
• Heads of School
• Assistant Headteachers with significant whole-school leadership experience
• Alternative Provision Leaders
• PRU Leaders
• SEMH Leaders
• Inclusion Leaders
• Senior Mainstream Leaders seeking a specialist leadership opportunity

Why Apply?

• Lead an established specialist provision with a strong reputation.
• Join a nationally recognised and highly respected multi-academy trust.
• Work alongside an experienced Executive Principal and supportive Trust leadership team.
• Opportunity to shape strategy and drive meaningful change.
• Access exceptional professional development and leadership pathways.
• Be part of a collaborative and values-led organisation.
• Make a profound and lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable young people and their families.

This is far more than a leadership position. It is an opportunity to lead a provision where education transforms lives, barriers are overcome and every success has a lasting impact.

If you are an ambitious and compassionate leader ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today for a confidential discussion.