Head of School – SEMH / SEND
Location: Clapham
Salary: Circa £70,000 + Equity Stake
Holiday: 15 Weeks
Overview:
We are exclusively partnered with a leading specialist in education and therapy for pupils who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. With schools consistently rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, they are now seeking a Head of School to join the leadership team and make a tangible impact on pupils, staff, and the wider provision.
Key Highlights:
▪ Rare equity stake - highly unusual at this level
▪ Autonomy to lead
▪ Small school settings - meaningful impact on every pupil
▪ Strong wellbeing culture with protected breaks
▪ Exceptional staff retention (leaders with 10+ years’ service)
▪ Opportunity to join a growing organisation at the right time
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role within a specialist education setting supporting pupils with
ACEs, complex SEMH needs, and associated SEND.
As Head of School, you will be the most senior on-site leader, responsible for the day-to-day running of your school and the quality of provision across education, care, and safeguarding. You will lead from the front - visible in classrooms, present with your team, and fully engaged in the life of the school.
The organisation operates a relationships-first approach, moving away from traditional behaviour management and focusing on building consistent, positive relationships that enable pupils to thrive.
This is a high-accountability role. You will be expected to deliver against placement targets, maintain compliance with independent school standards, and ensure consistently high-quality outcomes for pupils.
In return, you will be trusted to lead - with autonomy and support from senior leadership. You will have regular contract with the Executive Head, be part of a collaborative leadership team, and play a key role in shaping a provision that is continuing to grow.
It is a demanding position, but one where the impact is clear and the reward - both professionally and personally - is significant.
Key Responsibilities:
▪ Lead and embed a relationships-first culture across the school, modelling professionalism and practice
▪ Take ownership of day-to-day leadership, operational management, and site performance, ensuring compliance with Independent School Standards (ISS)
▪ Ensure consistently high standards across education, therapy, care, safeguarding, and enrichment/SMSC provision
▪ Deliver on placement targets and manage pupil admissions, transitions, and leavers effectively
▪ Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), maintaining a strong safeguarding culture
▪ Lead, support, and hold to account teaching and support staff, including inductions, mentoring (ECTs), and performance management
▪ Oversee timetabling and staff deployment, ensuring effective coverage during structured and unstructured times
▪ Monitor and evaluate teaching quality, planning, and pupil outcomes, using data to drive improvement
▪ Maintain a calm, safe, organised, and welcoming school environment
▪ Build and maintain strong relationships with pupils, families, staff, and external professionals
▪ Proactively manage conflicts, concerns, and complaints, resolving issues efficiently
▪ Lead briefings, meetings, and training sessions across the site
▪ Promote staff wellbeing while maintaining accountability and high standards
▪ Contribute to whole-school improvement and organisational growth, supporting wider leadership initiatives
▪ Ensure adherence to all policies and procedures, including safeguarding and data protection
▪ Contribute to wider school improvement and organisational growth
About You:
▪ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree
▪ Experience working with SEMH and/or SEND pupils
▪ Proven leadership experience, ideally within a challenging or specialist setting
▪ Strong understanding of safeguarding, SEND frameworks, and independent school standards
▪ Ability to lead teams with clarity, consistency, and accountability
▪ Creative and imaginative thinker; solution focused and proactive
▪ Sense of humour, realistic and positive
▪ Excellent organisational and communication skills
▪ Resilient, solution-focused, and able to perform under pressure
▪ Committed to building positive relationships with pupils, families, and staff
▪ Comfortable balancing high expectations with a supportive leadership style
▪ Motivated to be part of a growing organisation and contribute to its development
This is a rare opportunity to take on a meaningful leadership role, with the scope to shape your school and contribute to a growing organisation that genuinely values both its pupils and its staff.
Applications are encouraged early - roles at this level, with this long-term opportunity, do not stay open for long.
Contact Detail:
To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion please contact Madeleine Crosley at 0161 507 5060 or mcrosley@compassltd.co.uk
Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy. We offer a £500 voucher for successful referrals following completion of probation.