Job Description
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.