Regional Director; SEN Education North & Mids

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Job Reference: horizon care/TP/887/1147

Number of Positions: 1

Contract Type: Full Time

Working Hours: 37.5

Location: North/Midlands

Closing Date: 09/07/2026

Job Category: Education

Region / Division: North

Business Unit: Education

Exciting Opportunity:
Regional Director of Education

Remote work with regular travel

We are looking for a Regional Director of Education who will play a pivotal role in driving the performance, development, and effectiveness of our schools across the North and Midlands region. With a strong focus on raising educational standards and delivering outstanding outcomes, the Regional Director will lead strategic initiatives that not only improve the provision for all students but also ensure operational excellence to support the organisation's continued growth and success.

In this role, you will be responsible for enhancing school performance through continuous evaluation, monitoring, and leadership development. This includes overseeing student occupancy, ensuring full regulatory compliance, and leading high-quality training and coaching programs for school leaders. You will bring strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and a deep understanding of SEMH issues, ensuring that best practices are implemented and shared across the region.

Your work will be integral in fostering a culture of continuous improvement while preparing the region for future expansion and increased commercial success.

About Horizon

Horizon Care and Education Group is a growing provider of children’s homes, specialist schools and supported accommodation services for children and young people across England.

About Horizon Education

Horizon Education offers unrivalled opportunities, securing sound educational outcomes with personalised, inclusive, and stimulating programmes of learning.

Our schools specialise in supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges, Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN), as well as ADHD and complex learning needs.

Core Values and Leadership Expectations

Horizon is guided by our core values:
Compassionate, Inspiring, Dependable, and Collaborative. As a senior leader, you will be expected to model these values in every aspect of your work. A true leader at Horizon is one who uses these principles as a foundation for decision-making, fostering a positive and supportive environment, and fulfilling our mission to deliver exceptional outcomes for young people.

We are looking for a leader who not only exemplifies our core values but can also inspire our community to achieve lasting success. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Vision:
  Lead with a clear and compelling vision for the future of our schools, fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and excellence.
• Resilience:
  Show perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges, driving forward with determination and optimism.
• Empathy:
  Cultivate a supportive and inclusive atmosphere by demonstrating genuine care and understanding for both staff and students, ensuring everyone feels valued.
• High Support & High Challenge:
  Aim for academic excellence while providing steadfast support, ensuring that every student can reach their full potential.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status and NPQH/EL (National Professional Qualification for Headship/Executive Leadership).
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in leading multiple schools or services, with a proven track record of success across a region.
• Detailed knowledge and experience of the Independent Schools Standards (ISS) and the current Ofsted framework and guidance.
• Proven success in achieving both commercial and quality KPIs, as well as experience delivering effective change management projects within large organisations.
• Experience in leading growth initiatives for new schools or services that align with organisational strategic priorities.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a Director, Executive / Headteacher, or similar leadership role within an SEN specialist school or educational setting.
• Demonstrated success in leading staff teams to execute school improvement strategies, achieving KPIs and raising standards.
• Strong ability to set and monitor challenging targets at all levels of school performance, ensuring accountability and results.
• Collaborative leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively within and lead a team.
• Experience in leading educational projects, strategic planning, and financial management across multiple schools or on a regional/national level.

This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated leader who is passionate about driving progress, improving outcomes, and making a meaningful impact across our schools and services.

We have recently launched One Horizon which is a new platform…