Headteacher

This Founding Headteacher role is a rare opportunity to build a school from the ground up. You will shape the culture, establish outstanding practice, recruit and inspire a committed team, and create an environment where pupils feel safe, understood and empowered to thrive. At Our Rock Academy, we believe every child deserves respect, dignity and the opportunity to succeed. We are opening a new specialist school in Rochester focused on supporting pupils aged 816 with autism and additional needs, and we are seeking an exceptional Founding Headteacher to lead the school from day one.

Whats in it for you Salary of £60,000 £ 65,000 per annum The opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new specialist school from day one A chance to establish a culture centred on inclusion, respect and high expectations The autonomy to build your own leadership team and educational vision The ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of children with autism As Founding Headteacher, youll be responsible for:
Leading the development and launch of a new specialist autism provision Working with a specialist consultancy to secure Department for Education registration Designing the schools culture, curriculum and inclusive learning environment Recruiting, developing and inspiring a high-performing staff team Building strong relationships with local authorities, agencies and the wider community To succeed as Founding Headteacher, youll bring:
Senior leadership experience within special education Deep knowledge and understanding of autism and additional learning needs A strong track record of raising standards and improving outcomes The strategic vision and resilience required to build a school from the ground up A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing Our Rock Academy is establishing a school built on a powerful belief that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish.

This Founding Headteacher role will be central to creating a nurturing, structured and aspirational environment where pupils can succeed both academically and personally. If you are ready to lead with purpose and shape the future of Our Rock Academy we would love to hear from you. Shared Ambition Consulting is supporting Our Rock Academy with this appointment. To be considered or for a confidential discussion click the apply link online and Melanie Pye of Shared Ambition Consulting will be in contact.

Closing :
Sunday 29th March 2026 First stage interviews: w/c 6th April 2026 The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process a criminal check by the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required. Our Rock Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.