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Headteacher / Head of Provision

Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning

Surrey

  • £49,072 - £58,000 per year
  • Expired
Salary:
Independent Head Pay Scale
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
01 April 2026
Apply by:
14 February 2026

Job overview

LOCATION: West Horsley, Surrey will be your main site. Although, you will visit other sites at Shamley Green (Surrey), Godalming (Surrey) and Liss (Hampshire)

Elysian is a pioneering, animal-assisted, therapeutic education and wellbeing provider. We work with young people who may struggle in traditional settings, offering a creative, trauma-informed, and nature-based approach to learning, development, and growth. Our multi-site, multi-disciplinary team delivers high-quality education and therapeutic programmes that change lives. Elysian is seeking a Head of Provision / Headteacher who is an experienced educational leader (Head, SENCO, Curriculum Lead or similar) is required to join our team at Elysian, an alternative therapeutic educational provider. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead an innovative, therapeutic educational provision supporting children and young people with complex needs across our sites.


Working as Head of Provision, you will lead our West Horsley provision at Elysian, ensuring high standards of compliance, safeguarding, and innovative curriculum development. You will also be the driving force behind learner progress, staff development, and strategic planning – all while keeping the wellbeing and achievement of our learners at the heart of what you do.

Your Duties Will Include:
  • Lead day-to-day operations and long-term development of the education provision
  • Oversee compliance with Independent School Standards, OFSTED/ISI requirements, and national policy
  • Manage and inspire a multi-disciplinary team, including teaching and support staff
  • Develop and monitor high-quality, bespoke curriculum pathways and progression routes
  • Be the Designated Safeguarding Lead, championing a culture of safety and inclusion
  • Collaborate with local authorities, external agencies, and families to support learners with EHCPs
  • Maintain robust systems for tracking, assessment, quality assurance, and reporting
  • Work as part of the senior leadership team to shape the future direction of Elysian
Who We’re Looking For:
  • An experienced educational leader (Head, SENCO, Curriculum Lead, or similar)
  • Passionate about SEND, trauma-informed practice, and holistic education
  • Skilled in strategic planning, change leadership, and staff development
  • Adept at quality assurance, safeguarding, and curriculum innovation
  • Ready to bring warmth, creativity, resilience, and rigour to the role
  • You’ll need excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills – and a strong belief in the transformative power of education, nature, and nurture.
Why Join Us?
  • Be part of a passionate, forward-thinking team
  • Play a key role in shaping a nationally respected alternative provision
  • Work in beautiful, rural settings with animals and nature at the heart of the work
  • Ongoing CPD, leadership support, and development opportunities
  • A culture of care, integrity, growth, and collaboration
  • Casual Dress, Company Events, Pension and the chance to work in a great learning environment
To ensure your application is fully considered, please note that all candidates must apply directly via our website, where you will find the full job details and the unique application form required for this role. You can access everything you need here: https://elysianuk.org/work-with-us/

The organisation is committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People. All roles are subject to Safeguarding scrutiny, including references and DBS Checks, prior to commencing employment.


















About Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning

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  • Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning
  • Westland Farm, Lordshill Common, Shamley Green, Guildford
  • Surrey
  • GU5 0TL
  • United Kingdom

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Elysian is a pioneering Independent Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Therapeutic services provider, offering a holistic, nurturing, and innovative approach to supporting children, young people, and adults with a wide range of needs. Our farm-based provisions integrate education, therapy, alternative provision, and animal-assisted interventions (AAI) to create an engaging, supportive, and impactful environment for learning, growth, and development.

Who We Are

At Elysian, we believe in creating opportunities for every individual to thrive, particularly those who have struggled in mainstream settings due to anxiety, ASD, ADHD, school phobia, trauma, social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, and other developmental difficulties.

Our provisions are registered Independent Secondary SEN Schools, with a focus on specialist, therapeutic, and outdoor learning approaches tailored to individual needs. We provide full-time education placements for ages 11-17, alongside therapeutic programmes, alternative provision, and outreach services.

We operate across multiple sites in Surrey and Hampshire, each offering education, therapy, and farm-based learning experiences:

  • Shamley Green (Westland Farm, Surrey) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School Registered for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17. Specialising in alternative learning environments, therapeutic education, and animal-assisted learning
    Offers full-time and part-time educational placements, alongside outreach and       therapy programmes.
  • West Horsley (Hillside Farm, Surrey) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School Registered for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17. Specialising in alternative learning environments, therapeutic education, and animal-assisted learning Offers full-time and part-time educational placements, alongside outreach and       therapy programmes.
  • Liss (Janche Stables, Hampshire) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School Registered for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17. Specialising in alternative learning environments, therapeutic education, and animal-assisted learning Offers full-time and part-time educational placements, alongside outreach and       therapy programmes.
  • Froxfield (Staple Ash Farm, Hampshire) – A developing AP provision. Supports       education, outreach, training, and community engagement. Expanding to enhance therapeutic learning and vocational opportunities.

What we do

At Elysian, we are dedicated to providing therapeutic education and unique, supportive services for children, young people, and families. Our programs are carefully designed to address individual needs, particularly for those who find mainstream education challenging or require alternative learning environments.

We offer a range of services, from farm-based education and animal-assisted therapy to specialised training and workshops and life skills programs, all aimed at fostering social, emotional, and personal development.

We have 5 sites across Surrey and Hampshire, including 3 registered SEN Independent schools.

Our Team & Ethos

At Elysian, we value passion, commitment, and a genuine desire to support young people. Our team includes:

  • Teachers and education staff who bring creativity, adaptability, and a      commitment to making learning meaningful for every child.
  • Therapists and intervention specialists who use innovative, evidence-based      methods to support emotional well-being and personal growth.
  • Equine and animal specialists who facilitate therapeutic and educational      interactions with our animals.
  • Operational and support staff who ensure the smooth running of our provisions and help maintain a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment.

All of our staff work within a trauma-informed, child-centred framework, recognising that relationships, trust, and consistency are key to learning and development. We embrace a non-traditional, flexible approach, ensuring that young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to progress in their education and personal growth.

Why Work With Us?

Joining Elysian means becoming part of an innovative, dynamic, and passionate team that is changing lives every day. We offer:

  • A unique and rewarding work environment – Our farm-based and outdoor      learning settings create a positive and engaging space to work.
  • Professional development and training – We provide ongoing training in trauma-informed practice, SEND education, animal-assisted interventions, and therapeutic approaches.
  • Opportunities for career progression – As Elysian continues to grow, we are      committed to developing and promoting staff into leadership and specialist roles.
  • A strong, supportive team culture – We value teamwork, creativity, and a      shared commitment to supporting young people in achieving their full potential.

For more information about us:
🌍 www.elysianuk.org/work-with-us/

For recruitment enquiries, email:
📧 recruit@elysianuk.org

We look forward to welcoming like-minded, passionate professionals to Elysian – a place where education, therapy, and nature come together to create transformative learning experiences for young people.

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Applications closed