Headteacher – SEN / SEMH Specialist School

Location: Hyde, Greater Manchester (excellent transport links & free on-site parking)
Salary: £61,000+ per annum (Negotiable depending on experience)
Contract: Permanent | Full-Time | Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Closing Date: 30 August 2026

Are you an experienced Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or senior education leader looking for an opportunity to lead a specialist school and make a lasting difference to the lives of young people?

Luma Education Recruitment is working in partnership with a highly regarded specialist SEN and SEMH school in Hyde, Greater Manchester, to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Headteacher.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate education leader to provide strategic direction, develop a committed team, and ensure pupils with special educational needs, SEMH needs and additional learning needs receive the highest standards of education, care and support.

The successful candidate will join an inclusive and forward-thinking specialist provision with a strong ethos, supportive staff team and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for every pupil.

As Headteacher, you will provide inspirational leadership across the school, ensuring excellent standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding and pastoral care.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership to drive continuous school improvement
• Leading, motivating and developing a skilled team of teaching and support professionals
• Ensuring high-quality teaching, curriculum development and learning opportunities for pupils with SEN and SEMH needs
• Creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive
• Monitoring pupil progress, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing to ensure positive outcomes
• Championing safeguarding and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and SEND legislation
• Building strong relationships with parents, carers, local authorities and external professionals
• Supporting staff development through effective coaching, mentoring and professional learning opportunities
• Working collaboratively with senior leaders and stakeholders to deliver the school’s vision and strategic objectives

We are seeking an inspirational and resilient education leader with a genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Proven leadership experience within a school, specialist provision or SEN/SEMH setting
• Experience leading teams and driving school improvement
• Strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, SEND practice and inclusive education
• Experience supporting pupils with complex needs, SEN, SEMH or additional learning needs
• Excellent communication, organisation and relationship-building skills
• A compassionate, solution-focused and motivational leadership style
• A commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people

Relevant leadership, childcare, education or management NVQ qualifications are desirable.

An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one) is required.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced education leader seeking:

• A permanent Headteacher position within a specialist SEN/SEMH school
• A salary of £61,000+ per annum (negotiable depending on experience)
• The opportunity to shape and develop an established specialist provision
• A supportive senior leadership team and committed staff community
• Excellent professional development and career progression opportunities
• A well-resourced learning environment with strong staffing support
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to pupils, families and the wider community

Luma Education Recruitment specialises in supporting schools and specialist education settings across the UK with the recruitment of exceptional education professionals.

From Teachers and Teaching Assistants through to Senior Leaders, Headteachers and specialist SEND professionals, we connect talented candidates with schools where they can thrive and make a lasting impact.

Luma Education Recruitment is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

To apply for this Headteacher opportunity, please send your CV to (url removed) or call (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion.

Luma Education Recruitment – Connecting exceptional educators with exceptional schools.