Job Description
Headteacher - SEMH School (Birmingham)Start Date: September 2026Contract: Permanent (via 12-week temp-to-perm through Aspire People)Salary: Leadership Spine L1-L7 Hours: Full timeContact: Josh - Aspire People * * About the SchoolAspire People is proud to be recruiting on behalf of a long-established, values-driven SEMH school in central/south Birmingham. Part of a wider community charity with over 46 years of service, the school provides a nurturing, holistic and highly personalised education for pupils with SEMH and ASD needs, supported by specialist environments such as workshops, agricultural centres and therapeutic spaces.The school is a core part of the Trust's identity and works collaboratively with services including the Nursery, Family Hub, City Farm and Community Programmes. This is a setting where relationships, creativity and community shape every aspect of education.The OpportunityThe Trust is seeking a visible, values-led and ambitious Headteacher to lead secondary and post-16 provision for 45-57 pupils with SEMH and ASD EHCPs.
This is a rare opportunity to shape an innovative, culturally rich and community-rooted school.The Headteacher will be an active member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the CEO and wider Trust leaders to ensure the school thrives as part of a connected ecosystem-not as a standalone setting.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipLead the School Improvement Plan with ambition and paceEnsure high-quality SEMH education and continuous improvementMaintain inspection readiness and strong SEF/SDP processesModel ethical, collaborative and values-aligned leadershipStaff Leadership & DevelopmentLead and develop all teaching and non-teaching staffDeliver structured performance management, supervision and CPDPromote staff wellbeing and sustainable working practicesManage underperformance effectively and support succession planningCurriculum, Standards & InclusionDesign and implement a broad, balanced and engaging SEMH curriculumOversee teaching quality, assessment and data-driven improvementEmbed trauma-informed behaviour systemsEnsure compliance with the SEND Code of PracticeCommunity & PartnershipsBuild strong relationships with parents/carersWork closely with Youth & Community Services to create joined-up pathwaysLiaise with LA partners, specialist agencies and other schoolsGrowth, Sustainability & ProfileLead pupil-number growth to ensure financial sustainabilityBuild strong relationships with SEND teams, commissioners and EPsChampion the school's unique SEMH offer across the regionFinance, Operations & ComplianceManage the school budget with the Trust Finance TeamEnsure compliance with safeguarding, H&S, data protection and statutory dutiesMaintain safe, well-managed premisesAct as DSL or oversee the Deputy DSLGovernanceReport regularly to the CEO and Governing BodyPresent high-quality reports on performance, safeguarding, finance and riskMaintain accurate governance documentationPerson SpecificationEssentialQTSNPQH (or willingness to undertake)Strong understanding of SEMH, SEND, safeguarding and specialist provisionSignificant senior leadership experience in SEMH/SEN settingsExperience leading school improvement and preparing for OfstedStrong communication, data analysis and behaviour-management skillsCollaborative, resilient, reflective and community-focusedDesirableNASENCoExperience in community/youth servicesExperience raising a school's profile or growing pupil numbersTrauma-informed or therapeutic practice experienceSafeguardingThe Trust and Aspire People are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will require an Enhanced DBS.How to ApplySend your CV or call for an informal conversation.Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment.
Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.