Principal, Special Needs ​/ Learning Disabilities

Lead with purpose. Rebuild connections. Transform futures.

We are seeking an inspiring Principal to lead Lift Wishmore, a specialist school supporting primary and secondary-aged boys with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and autism. We need a leader with the expertise, ambition and determination to transform outcomes, reconnect young people with education and create opportunities for every child to thrive.

At Lift Wishmore, education is about much more than the classroom. It is about helping children rebuild their confidence, feel a sense of belonging and engage with learning again. We want every pupil to leave with the skills, qualifications and self-belief to take their next steps.

You will have solid foundations to build on: excellent facilities, an established specialist curriculum, strong community partnerships and a committed staff team. We need an experienced leader who can bring these strengths together, support children who have become disconnected from education and improve outcomes for every pupil.

For our children and their families, the right support can make a lasting difference. As Principal, you will play a central part in making that happen.

As Principal, you will set high expectations for every child while recognising their individual needs and experiences. You will bring specialist expertise and a compassionate approach, helping colleagues give each pupil the support they need to learn and progress.

A central priority will be improving engagement and attendance, particularly for children experiencing emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA). You will work closely with colleagues and families to understand what is preventing children from attending, rebuild trust and find practical ways to help them return to education.

• Set a clear, ambitious vision for a specialist school where every child feels safe, valued and able to succeed.
• Lead outstanding SEMH and autism-informed practice, ensuring education, therapeutic support and pastoral provision work seamlessly together.
• Develop effective strategies to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for pupils who have become disengaged from education.
• Inspire and unite teachers, support colleagues and specialist practitioners around a shared commitment to every child's success.
• Build on the school's broad curriculum, enrichment and vocational offer, ensuring every pupil develops meaningful skills and qualifications for their future.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, the local authority, external agencies and community organisations to remove barriers and improve outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with other specialist schools across Lift, sharing expertise and contributing to the development of outstanding specialist provision.

You will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the school, balancing high expectations with a deep understanding of the individual needs of its pupils.

We are looking for an exceptional senior leader with significant experience in specialist education, particularly SEMH and autism, who combines professional expertise with warmth, energy and an unwavering belief in what every child can achieve.

• Have a strong track record of successful senior leadership and improving outcomes for pupils with complex additional needs.
• Bring deep expertise in SEMH, autism and emotionally based school non-attendance, with the ability to translate this knowledge into effective practice.
• Understand how to re-engage children and families who have become disconnected from education, using relational, inclusive and evidence-informed approaches.
• Be an inspirational people leader who can bring teaching, support and therapeutic teams together, developing a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Have the strategic insight and operational resilience to lead a complex specialist setting while maintaining a relentless focus on pupils.
• Build trusted relationships with families, the local authority and external partners, recognising that successful outcomes depend on strong collaboration.
• Be excited by the opportunity to work alongside other specialist school leaders, sharing practice and contributing to improvement across the Trust.

Experience of leading an all-through specialist setting would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Above all, you will be a leader who brings hope, ambition and possibility to children who may have experienced significant barriers to education. Someone who…