Headteacher

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Position:
Headteacher

Location:

Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD

Salary:
Up to £85,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Hours:

40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time Only

Start:
February/March 2026

We’re looking for an inspiring and experienced Headteacher to lead Dibden Park School, a specialist SEMH school, and drive outstanding outcomes for our pupils. This is a unique opportunity to build on a strong foundation, shaping the future of the school while ensuring every pupil receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

As Headteacher, you will provide visionary leadership, creating a culture where pupils thrive and staff feel inspired, motivated, and supported. You will oversee the overall performance, development, and success of the school, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks and delivering personalized education tailored to meet each pupil’s unique needs.

• Lead the school to deliver exceptional outcomes tailored to individual pupil needs
• Create and sustain a safe, nurturing, and ambitious environment for pupils and staff
• Inspire, recruit, and develop a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team
• Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, statutory, and regulatory requirements
• Drive operational planning, strategic growth, and effective resource management
• Line manage all staff, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high standards
• Champion personalised learning, wellbeing, and inclusion across the school

We are looking for an ambitious, values‑driven leader who brings both heart and expertise:

• Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist, or alternative provision
• Skilled in budget, resource, and change management
• Knowledgeable in Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings
• Committed to inclusive education and aspirational outcomes for every pupil
• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience
• Full UK Driving Licence

Join us at Dibden Park School and help shape the future of a thriving SEMH school, where staff are supported, pupils flourish, and every day is focused on achieving meaningful outcomes.

Dibden Park School is an independent specialist school in Southampton, providing inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment. We support pupils aged 8–16 with complex needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours. Our mission is to help every child achieve the best possible outcomes. We provide a personalised, engaging, and balanced curriculum, covering formal lessons and broader learning experiences throughout the school day.

Every pupil receives individualised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they are ready to move on positively in their education.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car…