Headteacher

Employer: London Borough Of Waltham Forest

Location: Hawkswood Group. Yardley Lane, Antlers Hill, Chingford,

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time

Hours: 32.5 hours per week.

Closing Date: 06/10/2026 at 23:55

Reference: SCH/26/340173

THE HAWKSWOOD GROUP

Headteacher for Hawkswood Primary Pupil Referral Unit & SEMH Provision & Hawkswood Therapeutic Secondary

Closing Date: 6 th October 2026

Shortlisting: 9 th October 2026

Interviews: TBC

The governors are looking for a new headteacher who has the drive, creativity and exceptional skills needed to lead both the primary and the secondary schools which are located together on this site. The successful candidate may come from either a primary or a secondary background, what is more important to governors is that they have the leadership skills and personal attributes to lead these two very special and unique schools.

Both schools are already highly successful and therefore the governors are looking for a leader who can build upon their success and take them forward even further. At the heart of both schools and fundamental to their success is a culture of nurturing and an understanding of the needs of the students in their care. With this in mind, the governors are looking for a leader who is able to inspire staff and get their confidence, a leader who believes in the potential of young people and sets aspirational standards both academically and in all other aspects of their well-being.

The successful candidate will be someone who is visible and approachable, someone who will lead by example and work with staff to create an effective team and a secure learning environment where students of all ages will thrive.

We are looking for an outstanding practitioner and leader who has:

• Experience of successful leadership in settings that provide specialist SEMH and SEND education.
• A commitment to the promotion of high standards and aspirations in teaching and learning.
• A detailed understanding of safeguarding and the ability to implement systems and practices that
  ensure the highest standards of safeguarding are met.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and lead a successful team of staff.
• An understanding of the value in partnership with senior leaders from other schools and institutions.
• An understanding of the challenges students with SEMH, SEND and neurodivergent needs face and
  the ability to adapt teaching and learning styles to address their individual requirements.

Candidate pack will be available online on the Hawkswood Group website.

The Hawkswood Group is committed to promoting the safeguarding of children. Please note that this position requires as enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks will be carried out prior to appointment.

As part of KCSIE 2025 all applicants will be subject on on-line searches.

Applicants must be able to form and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries with children, young people and other vulnerable adults. Applicants should have the ability to understand the difficulties and pressures associated with caring for children/vulnerable adults and demonstrate appropriate coping mechanisms.

As a thriving and diverse school, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in The Hawkswood Group’s workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the…