Headteacher

Headteacher - Snow Hill School, 50-58 Snowhill, Stoke on Trent, ST1 4LY

The Headteacher is the lead professional and role model for the school community, responsible for providing visionary and operational leadership that ensures high quality education, safeguarding, and wellbeing for pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviours. This role demands a commitment to the school’s ethos of trauma-informed, therapeutic practice and the EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Caring), fostering a positive, inclusive, and safe environment where every pupil can thrive.

We are a small independent school who support students which may have previously experienced difficulties accessing in their education. We are committed to ensuring that all students learn and are engaged in the appropriate programme of study, which allows them to successfully re-engage with education and to achieve their very best outcomes.

We offer a very broad and balanced curriculum that enables pupils to undertake examinations and gain qualifications including GCSE’s, BTECs and functional skills, we also have access to a wide range of adventurous subjects which include water sports, mountain biking, archery, horse-riding etc.

• Establish and sustain the school’s ethos, strategic vision, and direction
• Create a culture where pupils and staff experience a positive, enriching, and safe school life, promoting respect, inclusion, and high aspirations. Fostering a trauma-informed and therapeutic environment
• Establish and sustain high-quality, expert teaching across all subjects and phases, based on evidence-informed practices and understanding of how pupils learn
• Lead curriculum design and implementation ensuring a broad, balanced, structured, and coherent entitlement, tailored to pupils’ individual needs, including vocational and therapeutic elements
• Develop and support subject leaders and teaching staff through professional networks, coaching, and research-informed continuous training
• Establish and maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour and courteous conduct, underpinned by clear rules, routines, and positive relationships as set out in the school’s behaviour policy and the Staff Code of Conduct
• Ensure effective pastoral care systems that support pupils’ mental health, wellbeing, and personal development in partnership with families and external agencies
• Ensure the school meets statutory SEND requirements and provides tailored, high-quality support for pupils with additional needs
• Lead the SENDCO and pastoral teams to monitor and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and personalised learning pathways
• Foster collaborative partnerships securing appropriate provision and support
• Manage resources effectively, including staffing, finance, and facilities, ensuring alignment with educational priorities and compliance with statutory requirements
• Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards and all relevant health and safety regulations
• Work closely with the governing body to provide accurate information, strategic advice, and support governance effectiveness. While preparing governance reports and ensuring compliance with Independent School Standards
• Encourage staff to engage in sustained, high-quality professional development aligned with the Staff Code of Conduct’s emphasis on collaboration and research-informed practice

• Proven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational setting
• Deep understanding of the Ofsted independent school inspection framework, statutory duties, and safeguarding
• Commitment to the Nolan Principles and highest standards of professional conduct as outlined in the Staff Code of Conduct
• Ability to develop and implement a clear vision and strategic plan for school improvement
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• QTS is a requirement; NPQSL or equivalent

• Fully funded CPD training for all staff in our schools
• Enhanced pay scales that recognise both qualifications and experience for all staff
• Extensive senior management support from Regional Managers and…