What skills and experience we’re looking for
We welcome applications from experienced senior leaders from both mainstream and specialist settings. You will be:
* An experienced and inspirational leader with a passion for SEND.
* Highly effective in overseeing the operational day‑to‑day running of a busy school, including the management of staffing, cover, HR processes, attendance systems and daily routines.
* Confident in coordinating practice across multiple sites and ensuring smooth, well‑organised operations.
* Values‑driven, emotionally intelligent and motivated by moral purpose.
* Ready to embrace innovation and lead Birch Wood Vale, Ashton House and Birch Wood College into the future.
What the school offers its staff
Professional Growth & Support
* Ongoing professional development opportunities.
* Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
* Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
* A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
* A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.
Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits
* Flexible working options.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
* Defined benefit pension scheme.
* Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
* Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
* Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
* Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
* Free childcare.
Additional Perks
* Free parking.
* Cycle-to-work scheme.
* Gym discounts.
* Eyecare vouchers.
* Dental support.
* Retail discounts.
* Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.
Further details about the role
Lead with Purpose
* Provide strong, visible leadership across all three sites.
* Coordinate daily operations, staffing and routines, ensuring smooth and consistent practice.
Drive Excellent Teaching & Learning
* Support a curriculum that enables pupils to achieve GCSEs, Entry Levels and meaningful qualifications.
* Ensure statutory responsibilities, assessment cycles and reporting are all delivered to high standards.
Champion Behaviour, Wellbeing & Safeguarding
* Lead behaviour culture using evidence‑informed systems.
* Promote wellbeing for pupils and staff, working closely with families and agencies.
* Serve as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
Enhance Operations & School Life
* Ensure each site is safe, compliant and well‑managed.
* Oversee enrichment, events, transitions and wider opportunities for learners aged 11–19.
Strengthen Community & Partnerships
* Lead parental engagement and communication across sites.
* Oversee admissions and transitions.
* Represent Birch Wood within the community, the Trust and with external partners.
Monitor, Evaluate & Improve
* Track progress, attendance and behaviour for all learners across sites.
* Use feedback from pupils, staff and families to inform continuous improvement.
* Contribute to school development planning and long‑term strategy.
Birch Wood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to a check being carried out at an Enhanced level by the Disclosure and Barring Service regarding any previous criminal record.
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