Headteacher
Location: Sudbury
Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 + Bonus Scheme
Hours: Full Time (40 hours per week)
Ofsted Rating: Good
About the Role
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced Headteacher to lead a specialist school supporting pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviours. This is a rewarding opportunity for a passionate leader to shape the future of a nurturing and ambitious educational environment.
As the lead professional and role model, you will provide both visionary and operational leadership, ensuring high standards of education, safeguarding, and wellbeing. You will create a culture of aspiration, inclusion, and safety where every pupil is supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About the School
This is a unique and nurturing setting that places pupils at the heart of everything it does. The school provides a safe and secure environment where young people are encouraged to achieve beyond expectations.
The curriculum is highly personalised, with a strong emphasis on personal development, life skills, social interaction, and offsite learning experiences. Community involvement and holistic support are key to ensuring pupils leave with confidence and skills for life.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership and drive continuous school improvement through a clear and measurable improvement plan
Develop strong partnerships with parents, carers, local communities, and external agencies to enhance pupil outcomes
Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects, informed by evidence-based practice and understanding of complex needs
Create and sustain a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture with high aspirations for all pupils
Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, SEND statutory duties, and regulatory requirements
Lead and inspire a diverse staff team, modelling professional conduct and high standards
Oversee effective management of staffing, finances, and facilities, ensuring value for money and sustainability
Take overall responsibility for financial performance, including budget planning and monitoring
Requirements
A strong passion for supporting pupils with SEND
Proven leadership experience within a special school or complex educational setting
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)
In-depth knowledge of the Ofsted independent school inspection framework and safeguarding requirements
Ability to inspire, motivate, and lead teams to achieve outstanding outcomes
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, parents, and stakeholders
Commitment to the Nolan Principles and the highest standards of professional conduct
A clear vision for school improvement and the ability to deliver it effectively
Benefits
Enhanced pension scheme
Staff referral bonus (split £500 reward)
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Blue Light discount card
Fully funded training and professional qualifications
Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
Employee wellbeing app and a wide range of discounts
Life assurance