Headteacher

Headteacher

Location:

Sudbury
Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 + Bonus Scheme

Hours:

Full Time (40 hours per week)
Ofsted Rating:
Good

About the Role

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced Headteacher to lead a specialist school supporting pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviours. This is a rewarding opportunity for a passionate leader to shape the future of a nurturing and ambitious educational environment.

As the lead professional and role model, you will provide both visionary and operational leadership, ensuring high standards of education, safeguarding, and wellbeing. You will create a culture of aspiration, inclusion, and safety where every pupil is supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

About the School

This is a unique and nurturing setting that places pupils at the heart of everything it does. The school provides a safe and secure environment where young people are encouraged to achieve beyond expectations.

The curriculum is highly personalised, with a strong emphasis on personal development, life skills, social interaction, and offsite learning experiences. Community involvement and holistic support are key to ensuring pupils leave with confidence and skills for life.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and drive continuous school improvement through a clear and measurable improvement plan

Develop strong partnerships with parents, carers, local communities, and external agencies to enhance pupil outcomes

Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects, informed by evidence-based practice and understanding of complex needs

Create and sustain a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture with high aspirations for all pupils

Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, SEND statutory duties, and regulatory requirements

Lead and inspire a diverse staff team, modelling professional conduct and high standards

Oversee effective management of staffing, finances, and facilities, ensuring value for money and sustainability

Take overall responsibility for financial performance, including budget planning and monitoring

Requirements

A strong passion for supporting pupils with SEND

Proven leadership experience within a special school or complex educational setting

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)

In-depth knowledge of the Ofsted independent school inspection framework and safeguarding requirements

Ability to inspire, motivate, and lead teams to achieve outstanding outcomes

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, parents, and stakeholders

Commitment to the Nolan Principles and the highest standards of professional conduct

A clear vision for school improvement and the ability to deliver it effectively

Benefits

Enhanced pension scheme

Staff referral bonus (split £500 reward)

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Blue Light discount card

Fully funded training and professional qualifications

Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications

Employee wellbeing app and a wide range of discounts

Life assurance