Headteacher

Percy Hedley School (PHS) is a remarkable place to work, learn and grow. A non-maintained special school for 174 children aged between 3 and 19 years, we are part of The Percy Hedley Foundation – one of the largest charities in the North East. Children come to us with cerebral palsy or motor disorders, as well as speech, language and communication difficulties, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD), dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

Judged to be Outstanding in March 2013, PHS was again graded Outstanding (in all areas) in March 2018. We have a relentless desire to develop further and offer the very best level of education to our pupils, and our approach blends innovative and sophisticated therapeutic work with a high-quality curriculum. Outcomes for leavers are excellent, with all pupils moving on to colleges (both specialist and mainstream) or employment

This role is an exceptional opportunity to build on the outstanding achievement, innovation and legacy of recent years, while also bringing a distinctive future-focused vision for Percy Hedley School. An experienced and imaginative special school leader, you’ll thrive in our collegiate, non-hierarchical and positive culture. We want to hear from practitioners with an unshakeable commitment to special education, a profound understanding of therapeutic approaches within learning, and a leadership style that values and appreciates the motivations and contribution of everyone in the organisation. Candidates will bring tangible drive, impressive ability and an inspirational imagination, and are likely be seeking a role in an organisation which shares and will nurture their ambition to make a real and direct impact on children’s lives.

As a key member of the Foundation’s Executive Management Team, our new Headteacher will work closely and collaboratively with senior leaders to drive standards, and ensure outcomes for children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. Leading a dedicated and high-performing team of educational and therapeutic colleagues, you’ll embody a spirit of appreciative challenge and learner-focused improvement. With significant strengths in leadership and motivation, you must be able to demonstrate that you understand how to monitor, support and drive a positive culture of improvement. And as you’d expect, your contribution to providing comprehensive assurance in all areas of regulatory compliance will be a crucial part of the role.

Everyone at PHS feels it’s a privilege to be part of this remarkable school. Our distinctive approach is the fruit of almost seven decades of constant review, refinement and renewal, underpinned by an absolutely uncompromising commitment to providing our students with the most appropriate and effective support to their learning. So we believe that this is a genuinely rare and exciting opportunity. 

Visit www.lead-percyhedley.co.uk to find out more, or contact Raymond Kelly or David Gooda at Navigate NDC for a confidential discussion on 01625 800862. Closing date: noon, 21st December.