Overview
Headteacher - Alternative Provision Secondary School
Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Permanent Position via Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is proud to be supporting an alternative provision secondary school in Thrapston in the appointment of a dedicated, resilient, and inspirational Headteacher. This is a permanent leadership opportunity within a specialist setting that supports 38 students with behavioural, social, emotional, and special educational needs.
This school plays a vital role in transforming the lives of young people who require a highly structured, nurturing, and consistent educational environment. The successful Headteacher will bring strong behaviour management expertise, a clear vision for inclusion, and the ability to lead with both authority and compassion.
The Role
As Headteacher, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the school, ensuring high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, teaching, and learning. You will lead a committed staff team, foster positive relationships with pupils and families, and work closely with external agencies to support students with complex needs.
Key responsibilities
* Providing strong, visible leadership and setting clear expectations for behaviour and conduct
* Leading and developing staff to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed and SEN-focused practice
* Overseeing safeguarding, attendance, and pupil wellbeing
* Creating and maintaining a calm, structured, and supportive learning environment
* Working closely with governors, local authorities, and external professionals
* Driving continuous improvement while maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
* Proven senior leadership experience within alternative provision, PRU, or SEN settings
* A strong background in behaviour management and SEMH support
* Excellent understanding of SEN and inclusive education
* The ability to build trust and rapport with students who have faced barriers to learning
* A resilient, reflective, and emotionally intelligent leadership style
* Commitment to safeguarding and student-centred practice
Why This Role
* Opportunity to lead a small, close-knit school where leadership impact is immediate and meaningful
* The chance to shape the strategic direction of a specialist provision
* Support through Tradewind Recruitment throughout the appointment process
* A deeply rewarding role making a genuine difference to vulnerable young people
* This position would suit an experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head ready to step into headship, with a passion for alternative education and inclusive leadership.
* Apply today via Tradewind Recruitment to lead a school where strong leadership truly changes lives.
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