Headteacher
Aspire People
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Permanent (via 12‑week temp‑to‑perm through Aspire People)
Salary: Leadership Spine L1-L7
Hours: Full time
Contact: Josh - Aspire People
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About the School
Aspire People is proud to be recruiting on behalf of a long‑established, values‑driven SEMH school in central/south Birmingham. Part of a wider community charity with over 46 years of service, the school provides a nurturing, holistic and highly personalised education for pupils with SEMH and ASD needs, supported by specialist environments such as workshops, agricultural centres and therapeutic spaces.
The school is a core part of the Trust's identity and works collaboratively with services including the Nursery, Family Hub, City Farm and Community Programmes. This is a setting where relationships, creativity and community shape every aspect of education.
The Opportunity
The Trust is seeking a visible, values‑led and ambitious Headteacher to lead secondary and post‑16 provision for 45-57 pupils with SEMH and ASD EHCPs. This is a rare opportunity to shape an innovative, culturally rich and community‑rooted school.
The Headteacher will be an active member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the CEO and wider Trust leaders to ensure the school thrives as part of a connected ecosystem-not as a standalone setting.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead the School Improvement Plan with ambition and pace
Ensure high‑quality SEMH education and continuous improvement
Maintain inspection readiness and strong SEF/SDP processes
Model ethical, collaborative and values‑aligned leadership
Staff Leadership & Development
Lead and develop all teaching and non‑teaching staff
Deliver structured performance management, supervision and CPD
Promote staff wellbeing and sustainable working practices
Manage underperformance effectively and support succession planning
Curriculum, Standards & Inclusion
Design and implement a broad, balanced and engaging SEMH curriculum
Oversee teaching quality, assessment and data‑driven improvement
Embed trauma‑informed behaviour systems
Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice
Community & Partnerships
Build strong relationships with parents/carers
Work closely with Youth & Community Services to create joined‑up pathways
Liaise with LA partners, specialist agencies and other schools
Growth, Sustainability & Profile
Lead pupil‑number growth to ensure financial sustainability
Build strong relationships with SEND teams, commissioners and EPs
Champion the school's unique SEMH offer across the region
Finance, Operations & Compliance
Manage the school budget with the Trust Finance Team
Ensure compliance with safeguarding, H&S, data protection and statutory duties
Maintain safe, well‑managed premises
Act as DSL or oversee the Deputy DSL
Governance
Report regularly to the CEO and Governing Body
Present high‑quality reports on performance, safeguarding, finance and risk
Maintain accurate governance documentation
Person Specification
Essential
QTS
NPQH (or willingness to undertake)
Strong understanding of SEMH, SEND, safeguarding and specialist provision
Significant senior leadership experience in SEMH/SEN settings
Experience leading school improvement and preparing for Ofsted
Strong communication, data analysis and behaviour‑management skills
Collaborative, resilient, reflective and community‑focused
Desirable
NASENCo
Experience in community/youth services
Experience raising a school's profile or growing pupil numbers
Trauma‑informed or therapeutic practice experience
Safeguarding
The Trust and Aspire People are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will require an Enhanced DBS.
How to Apply
Send your CV or call (phone number removed) for an informal conversation.
Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.
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