Head of School

East of England/ permanent / £40k - 50k per year

Teacher Active is working in partnership with a high-quality alternative provision in Thrapston
, offering an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced education professional to join a nurturing, values‑led setting where both staff and pupils are genuinely supported. This is a unique opportunity to work in a small, close‑knit school environment where your expertise, creativity, and leadership will have a tangible impact on the lives of young people. We are looking for someone who is committed to supporting pupils with additional needs, inspiring engagement, and helping them to achieve both academically and personally.

The school is part of a national education group made up of six business units, each committed to innovating, influencing, and inspiring through high‑quality, purposeful education and training. The group is dedicated to supporting schools across the country, providing strategic oversight, operational guidance, and opportunities for professional collaboration, ensuring that each school maintains high standards, shares best practice, and continues to develop its staff and pupils.

The school itself is an independent, OFSTED‑regulated alternative provision
, currently supporting approximately 35 pupils on roll
. This small cohort allows the school to provide highly personalised learning experiences tailored to each pupil's individual needs, abilities, and aspirations. Pupils attending the school benefit from an environment that is nurturing, supportive, and encouraging, particularly those working towards reintegration into mainstream education or alternative post‑16 pathways. The focus is on enabling pupils to achieve academic success while developing the personal and social skills they need to thrive in the wider world.

The school structure includes:

• Head of School
• Deputy Head of School
• Five Teachers
• Five Support Staff

In addition to the core team,
regional and national staff provide ongoing operational and strategic support across the wider group. This support ensures consistency across schools, access to specialist expertise, and opportunities for collaborative projects and professional growth. Staff are encouraged to share best practice, access professional development opportunities, and contribute to the group's overall vision of excellence in alternative provision.

This organisation is deeply committed to staff wellbeing, professional development, and work‑life balance
. The aim is to create a working environment where teachers can focus on what they do best – supporting and inspiring pupils – without being burdened by excessive administration.

• Discounted gym memberships to support physical health
• Access to a free wellbeing app containing fitness, yoga, and mindfulness resources
• Dedicated counselling support for mental health and emotional wellbeing
• Generous holiday entitlement to support a healthy work‑life balance
• Additional leave for foster carers to recognise and support their personal responsibilities
• Flexible working arrangements where possible, including consideration for personal circumstances
• Reduced surplus administration so teachers and leaders can focus on teaching, learning, and pupil development

The organisation actively invests in staff development, ensuring opportunities for growth, career progression, and professional recognition. Staff can access:

• Support for professional qualifications to enhance skills and career progression
• In‑house training programs, including paid qualifications, to strengthen knowledge and practice
• Approximately £3,500 invested per colleague annually on professional development and training

• Death in Service Insurance providing four times salary for peace of mind
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave, supporting family needs
• Medicash cashback scheme covering staff and dependants for:
  • Eye tests
  • Optical and dental treatment
  • Prescriptions
  • Holistic therapies (up to £900 per year)

• Monthly,…