Job Description Head Teacher – Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School
(Independent Specialist School for Pupils with Autism and Special Educational Needs). Start Date: Beginning of the Spring Term 2026.
Salary: £65,000 per annum (subject to tax and National Insurance).
Holidays: 13 weeks per year.
Contact: | Tel:
Location: Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School, Overstone Park, Northampton, NN6 0DT.
Core Purpose: The Head Teacher of Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School provides visionary, compassionate, and values-led leadership grounded in Christian principles of love, service, integrity, and respect.
The role ensures that every pupil receives a high-quality, holistic education within a safe, caring, and inclusive therapeutic environment. The Head Teacher nurtures academic excellence, personal development, and emotional well-being so that all pupils can realise their potential and contribute positively to society.
As the leading professional in the school, the Head Teacher is accountable to the Proprietor and Governing Body for strategic direction, educational outcomes, staff leadership, and the continued growth of the school's ethos and therapeutic mission.
Main Responsibilities:
Leadership and Vision:
* Provide strong, inspirational leadership rooted in Christian values of compassion, respect, honesty, and service.
* Develop and articulate a clear vision that integrates high academic standards, moral development, and emotional well-being.
* Promote a culture of inclusion, empathy, and respect for all, where pupils and staff are equally valued.
* Encourage creativity, resilience, and self-belief in each individual's potential.
* Ensure the school's mission and strategy focus on improving life chances for all pupils.
Strategic Direction and School Improvement:
* Lead the development and implementation of a robust strategic plan focused on excellence and continuous improvement.
* Set high expectations for pupil achievement, behaviour, and well-being.
* Use performance data and self-evaluation to identify strengths and address weaknesses.
* Foster a culture of accountability and professional pride.
* Maintain effective communication with the Proprietor and Governing Body.
Curriculum and Teaching:
* Ensure a rich, broad, and creative curriculum that meets the diverse needs of pupils with autism and other SEND.
* Promote high-quality teaching and learning that inspires and challenges pupils.
* Integrate moral and spiritual development into the curriculum through reflection, creativity, and service.
* Celebrate different cultures and beliefs, fostering community cohesion and respect.
* Monitor teaching quality rigorously, providing professional development and support.
SEND Leadership and Therapeutic Practice:
* Lead the school's SEND provision to ensure inclusion, progress, and well-being for every pupil.
* Embed therapies and interventions into learning experiences.
* Work collaboratively with families and professionals to provide holistic support.
* Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and statutory requirements.
Safeguarding and Welfare:
* Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school.
* Ensure effective implementation of safeguarding policies and safer recruitment practices.
* Lead by example in prioritising physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
* Ensure all staff are trained and confident in their safeguarding responsibilities.
Staff Leadership and Development:
* Recruit, lead, and inspire a highly skilled, committed, and compassionate staff team.
* Ensure all staff are appropriately trained and supported.
* Oversee the Single Central Record and safer recruitment compliance.
* Implement effective performance management, coaching, and mentoring systems.
* Support staff well-being and encourage professional growth and reflective practice.
Management, Organisation, and Finance:
* Manage the school's financial and physical resources effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability.
* Oversee timetabling, staff deployment, and pupil admissions to ensure efficiency and fairness.
* Manage school examinations in collaboration with the Examinations Officer, ensuring compliance with regulations and integrity in assessment.
* Maintain compliance with Independent School Standards and DfE expectations.
* Manage health, safety, and risk assessments across the site.
* Ensure that all resources are used effectively to promote high-quality learning and value for money.
Governance and Compliance:
* Be accountable to the Proprietor and Governing Body for all aspects of leadership and school performance.
* Ensure full compliance with Independent School Standards, Ofsted, DfE, and safeguarding regulations.
* Maintain accurate policies, records, and documentation.
* Report regularly to the Governing Body on school progress, finances, and improvement priorities.
School Improvement and Evaluation:
* Lead ongoing self-evaluation, development planning, and evidence-based improvement.
* Use performance data, lesson observation, and pupil feedback to drive standards.
* Embed a culture of continuous improvement at all levels.
* Prepare and lead the school effectively through Ofsted and compliance inspections.
Pupil Progress and Achievement:
* Monitor academic progress, attendance, behaviour, and personal development for all pupils.
* Set ambitious, individualised targets that reflect pupils' potential and starting points.
* Ensure appropriate interventions and support strategies are in place.
* Celebrate pupil success and maintain a culture of high expectations.
Community and Outreach:
* Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and the wider community.
* Develop relationships with local authorities, health and care agencies, and professional networks.
* Promote community cohesion by celebrating and integrating diverse cultures and beliefs.
* Represent the school with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
IT Skills and Digital Leadership:
* Demonstrate strong IT competence, including management systems, safeguarding platforms, and administrative software.
* Ensure the effective use of digital technology for teaching, learning, and school management.
* Oversee the school's IT security, filtering, and monitoring systems in line with DfE guidance.
* Promote safe, responsible, and ethical use of technology among pupils and staff.
Faith, Values, and Ethos:
* Uphold and promote the school's Christian foundation as a source of compassion, purpose, and moral strength.
* Encourage all pupils and staff to live by values of love, forgiveness, respect, and service.
* Provide opportunities for reflection, moral discussion, and spiritual growth that are inclusive and respectful of all faiths.
* Ensure the school's ethos inspires achievement, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
Health and Safety:
* Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and safeguarding regulations.
* Promote a culture of shared responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all.
Other Duties:
* Undertake reasonable tasks as required by the Proprietor or Governing Body.
* Uphold the vision, values, and inclusive Christian ethos of Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School in all decisions and actions.
Person Specification: Education and Qualifications:
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Essential.
* Graduate-level education – Essential.
* NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) – Desirable.
* Evidence of senior leadership professional development – Essential.
Experience:
* Proven experience as a senior leader (Deputy Head Teacher or equivalent).
* Successful record of raising standards and improving outcomes.
* Strong experience in SEND and therapeutic education.
* Experience in financial management and resource planning.
* Experience managing examinations in line with awarding body requirements.
* Evidence of positive relationships with parents, professionals, and local authorities.
* Experience in staff recruitment, timetabling, admissions, and compliance management.
Skills and Attributes:
* Visionary leadership with strategic clarity and moral purpose.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Competence in digital tools, IT systems, and safeguarding monitoring.
* Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
* Emotional intelligence and resilience under pressure.
* Ability to motivate, inspire, and challenge others.
* Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality.
Personal Qualities:
* Deep commitment to the education, care, and well-being of children and young people.
* Guided by Christian principles of love, service, and integrity.
* Inclusive and respectful of all faiths and cultural backgrounds.
* Reflective, humble, and committed to personal and professional growth.
* A visible, approachable, and compassionate leader.
Disclaimer: This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive, and the Governing Body reserves the right to make reasonable amendments as required. All duties are to be carried out in accordance with the inclusive Christian ethos, vision, and therapeutic values of Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School.
Applications and Enquiries:
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About Overstone Park School:
A non-selective independent school registered with DFE and ISI for boys and girls aged 5 to 18 years.